Flos Carmeli

Obedience in the Seminary Formation

Quezon’s Hidden Paradise

Opinion

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Features

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

The Greatest Pope

Fl Veritassnunquam Carmeli perit Volume XX | Issue 1

12 Features

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June 2019 - April 2020

Batang Carmelos commemorate 78th founding anniversary Sem. Christian Laurenaria

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ast October 11, 2019, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary commemorated its 78th founding anniversary with the theme: “One mother. One brotherhood.”

Photo by Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz

KEEPING THE PINOY VIBE ALIVE. Seminarian brothers’ Ilonggo tribe heat up the stage as they showcase the Dinagyang Festival as their opening performance in this year’s celebration night of Buwan ng Wika. >> Full story on page

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CHRIST IS ALIVE IN US OLMCS hosts 2nd SANGKAN Senior High Sem. Karl Gabriel P. Perlas

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ur Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary organized and hosted the three-day SANGKAN Senior High School last January 29 to 31, 2020 with the theme: “Christus Vivit in Nobis!” or “Christ is Alive in Us”.

Over five hundred delagates from seventeen (17) participating seminaries took part in the gathering of minor seminarian brothers. Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary – Vigan, St. Mary’s Seminary – Laoag, Immaculate Conception Seminary – Bulacan, Maria Assumpta Seminary – Cabanatuan, Mary Help of Christians Seminary – Pangasinan, Mother of Good Counsel Seminary – Pampanga, St. John Paul II Minor Seminary –Antipolo, Oblates of St. Joseph Minor Seminary – Batangas,

San Carlos Seminary – Makati, Holy Rosary Seminary – Naga, Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary – Sorsogon, St. Benedict Diocesan Seminary – Libmanan, St. Gregory the Great Minor Seminary – Albay, Seminario de Jesus Nazareno – Borongan, John Paul Seminary – Catarman, Northern Samar, Sacred Heart Seminary – Leyte, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary – Sariaya were the participating seminaries. SANGKAN or Isang Angkan kay Kristo intended to promote camaraderie and brotherhood among seminarians.

Bishop Emilio Z. Marquez, Bishop Emeritus of Lucena, officially opened the event with a Holy Mass along with his Episcopal Ordination anniversary last January 29, 2020 at the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center Church. Bishop Marquez said in his homily, “The devil will do everything to pull you out from the

seminary. The best way to overcome it is through prayer. If you don’t like to pray, go out of the seminary, you’re not for the seminary”. Afterwhich, delegates were given time to roam around the Kamay ni Hesus. A motorcade on the way back to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary (OLMCS) followed.

Indoor games highlighted the afternoon session of the first day. College seminarians from the Philosophy Department of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Seminary, Lucban Quezon artbitrated the indoor games. Seminario De Jesus Nazareno won the first place in Table Tennis. In Chess, Mary Help of Christians Seminary prevailed. Sacred Heart Seminary triumphed both in Darts and Dama. Sacred Heart Seminary won the game of words in Scrabble. Mary Assumpta Seminary achieved their championship win in Pool. And OLMCS’

Sem. Gabriel Gambala proved his Game of the Generals prowess in winning the indoor game for the third consecutive time.

After the vespers and dinner, OLMCS brought the Sariaya’s culture and festivity come to life during the Cultural Night held in OLMCS Gymnasium.

Sariaya’s Niyogyugan Dancers fired up the night of festivity as they showed and promoted the icon of the Quezon Province which is the coconut. Dancers from St. Joseph Academy of Sariaya, Quezon Senior High School department heated up the stage as they grooved with the latest dance trends. A zumba session and dance face-off from the dancers and the crowd highlighted the cultural night. Certification of appreciation to performance sponsors were given afterwards. The cultural night ended with a fireworks display at the OLMCS grounds.

Almost a hundred alumni from different batches gathered for the celebration of the 78th founding anniversary of the seminary. An ecological tree-planting activity started the celebration. Alumni also staged a basketball tournament up against different batches of Batang Carmelos. Flos Carmeli Association, the official alumni association of OLMCS, held an election. Elected-officers were blessed by Rector, Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo.

Current seminarians also prepared a mini museum featuring the seminary history, relics, achievements, and SANGKAN stories over the years. This was in light of commemorating the past seminary lives of the alumni.

A penitential rite was done during the afternoon. Confession and Holy Mass were part of the rites. Most Rev. Mel Rey M. Uy, D.D. led the Holy Mass and gave an inspirational homily for the alumni. Socialization followed after. Different dance performances and song numbers from resident seminarians graced the night to honor and gratify the presence of the alumni for this 78th celebration.

During the dinner, the Rector also showed a video presentation of the Gym ni Carding Project where innovations on the seminary gymnasium were presented. Alumni likewise shared their insights about the project. The anniversary night was concluded by a closing remarks from Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo.

>> More on page 3

Clergies convene for SOLTARE

Seminarians battle for Music Fest 2020

Junior High switches to distance learning

Different clergies convened for the annual Southern Luzon Tagalog Region (SOLTARE) Cup...

Last February 22, 2020, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary celebrated the Music Festival with the theme “Music with Love this Feb-Ibig”.

The pandemic rippled on the educational system and as part of the new normal, educational institutions switched to distance and flexible learning modes...

>> Full story on page 2

>> Full story on page 2

>> Full story on page 3

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

02 NEWS

Flos Carmeli UN Psychologist enlightens on Mental Health Wellness

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Sem. Christian Laurenaria

N psychologist and counselor Ms. Betty BaroniaDuhaylongsod shared about mental health wellness among the seminarian brothers last March 10, 2020.

Events Management for Entrepreneurship class of the Grade 12 organized the event for Mental Health and Depression Awareness.

Rev. Fr. Allan Neil L. Laqueo opened the seminar and Ms. Mara Angeli E. Cadiz introduced the resource speaker. Ms. Betty BaroniaDuhaylongsod is a United Nations Certified External Stress Counselor, a practicing psychologist and an HR consultant.

Matters on depression, suicide and mental health wellness were discussed over the seminar.

Statistics about the matter, as well as the facts and fallacies about mental health, are laid down. Signs that a person is depressed are also shared to the brothers together with some professional suggestions and psychological first aids that one can also consider.

Everyone is encouraged to be accountability partners of each.

Social interaction to alleviate the predicament is also highlighted to be vital part of the healing process. Repercussions of bullying to a person is also mentioned during the discussion. After the seminar, seminarian brothers who attended the event shared their own personal experiences and had some consultation sessions with the UN psychologist.

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Clergies convene for SOLTARE Sem. Daniel Ethan Queddeng

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ifferent clergies convened for the annual Southern Luzon Tagalog Region (SOLTARE) Cup last September 14-18, 2019 at Kamay ni Hesus Healing Center, Lucban, Quezon.

Diocese of Lucena, Archdioces of Lipa, Diocese of Boac, Diocese of Imus, Diocese of Gumaca, Diocese of Infanta, and the Diocese of San Pablo vested for winning the SOLTARE Cup. Diocese of Lucena hosted the recently-concluded gathering.

As for the sports events, Diocese of Lucena won the basketball championship for the junior division while Diocese of Lipa took home the bacon for the senior division. Diocese of Imus came victorious winning the volleyball category.

Formators of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary attended and participated in the SOLTARE Cup. A one-day recollection was among the itineraries of the annual gathering of clergies. “SOLTARE isn’t just about sports and fun. It is also about prayer, spiritual, and the connection with other priests.” Fr. Edwin remarked. He further emphasized the importance of this event to socially help and gauge every member of the priestly vocation. “It was important because each year, the connections between the priests grow stronger in prayer and spirituality. The purpose of this yearly event is not only for playing sports, but rather its true purpose was for priests to have stronger bond, and for us priests to pray together.”

MAINTAINING PRIESTLY FITNESS. Aside from keeping their body well fit, priests from different diocese keep their bonds through exercise, sports, and prayer during the SOLTARE Cup 2019 Photo from fb.com/RCDLucena

Senior High launches Thesis It A Critical Discourse Analysis on Seklusyon and Eerie on the Use of Horror Filmography in Promoting Catholic faith

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esearch classes from the OLMCS Senior High School department launched Thesis It! A Research Presentation conference last October 19, 2019.

Different research studies conducted

by Grade 11 and Grade 12 students were presented during the research summit. Qualititative basic research by the Grade 11 entitled “A Critical Discourse Analysis on Seklusyon and Eerie on the Use of Horror Filmography in Promoting Catholic faith” commenced the presentation. Applied researches from the Grade 12 followed. “Assessment of Information and Communication Technology Materials in OLMCS” and “An Assessment of the Perception

Seminarians battle for Music Fest 2020

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Sem. Gian Gondra

ast February 22, 2020, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary celebrated the Music Festival with the theme “Music with Love this Feb-Ibig”. This festival’s purpose is to showcase the talents of every seminarian in order to honor their parents. Parents of the seminarians also graced the event.

There are four categories in this year’s music fest: the Clash of the Choirs, the Battle of the Bands, The Voice! For Non-Professional singers, and The Voice!

For Professional singers. Rev. Fr. Ryan Israel Martinez formally commenced the night with his opening remarks.

Musical events went on beginning with the intermission number of seminarians. Different groups of choir competed and serenaded for the Clash of Choirs. Lemon’s Choir prevailed as the winning chorale group for this

year’s music fest. Grade 12 seminarian Sebastian Delfin was hailed champion for The Voice! Non-Professional division.

Bandarito rocked their champion title for the Battle of the Bands. For the final event, our seasoned-singing champions sang their serenades for The Voice! Professional division. But Sem. Xymone Phoenix Prieto of the Grade 12 emerged as winner.

“Choir-to-gallera” bagged the over-all champion for the musical night.

The melodious event was ended by the closing remarks and final blessing led

by Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo.

The judges together with Rev. Fr. Allan Laqeuo also showcased their talents in singing or even in playing musical instruments.

The night was filled with joy as the whole community praises the Lord with the song “I Will Sing Forever.” The night will not also be complete without offering a Marian Song as a sign of giving thanks to Mama Mary.

BATTLING FOR THE TITLE. Bandaritas rocked the stage as Sem. Allen Tolete sang”Torete” for the Battle of the Bands Category in this year’s Music Festival.

Photo by Sem. Keith Czimonne Ciceron

Sem. Jed Matthew Reyes

on Student Policies of OLMCS” were likewise presented.

Best thesis concept was awarded to the duo of Sem. Robin Pergis and Sem. Simon Flores for the “An Assessment of the Perception on Student Policies of OLMCS” which assessed and suggested revisions for the OLMCS student handbook. Best thesis poster was awarded to Sem. Patrick Louis Rodillas from Grade 11 Fortitude and Sem. Robin Pergis also won the best thesis presentor award.

Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo, rector, ended the event with his closing remarks encouraging seminarian brothers to be more engaged with research and to keep continuing the Thesis It! project. The event was organized by Grade 11 Fortitude as part of their class activities in Research.

OLMCS welcomes new brothers Sem. Robin Pergis

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LMCS rejoiced in the annual Bienvenida or welcoming party at Lucky D Resort Lutucan, Sariaya, Quezon as the community witnessed the welcome rites to the new brothers as member of the seminary, June 12.

This activity started in the seminary by signing of signature to the white t-shirts of the newcomers. After that, they proceeded to the resort with a blindfold and a brief outside their shorts.

The program was hosted by Sem. Jed Matthew Reyes and Sem. Marion Alexander Ranillo, both from Grade 11 and residents of the seminary for five years to date. The opening remarks of Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Pimentel, Vice-Rector, commenced the welcoming party. The main part of the welcome rites was highlighted with the pouring of water in the seminarians’ heads by Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo and the symbolical shouting of “I want to be a Batang Carmelo”. After the rites, the members of the community had their snacks, swimming bonding and parlor games.

“Memorable talaga ang Bienvenida dahil minsan lang ito mangyari sa buhay ko. Natakot ako nung una, ‘yun pala masaya” new seminarian, Sem. Daniel Alfonso Dela Cruz of Grade 11 shared.

The purpose of this activity is to strengthen the bond and camaraderie of each seminarian. Currently, eleven (11) new Grade 7 seminarians and twenty (20) new Grade 11 seminarians were welcomed during the last Bienvenida.

Sem. Karl Gabriel Perlas, a new seminarian also shared: “ Ito yung first time kong lumipat ng school since Nursery kaya first time ko ring maexperience na mawelcome ng ganito. Nung una medyo nakakatakot at nakakakaba pero after naming isigaw ang mga salitang ‘Batang Carmelo’ sa katanungan ng Rektor na ‘ano ang gusto mong maging?’, ay kakaibang pakiramdam ang aking nadama. At dun na ako nagstart mag-enjoy kahit medyo nahohomesick ako. Kakaibang pagwelcome ang ipinakita sa amin ng mga datihang seminarista at masasabi kong naging masaya at matagumpay ang isinagawang Bienvenida.”

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Brothers relive Filipino spirit Sem. Paul Benedict Baloloy

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inggo ng Wika Celebration was conducted last August 19 to 23, 2020.

Seminarian brothers were grouped into five Filipino tribes: Ifugao, Bagobo, T’boli, Gaddang and Ilonggo battling for the Pinoy pride over the week-long celebration.

A SHOWCASE OF FILIPINO CULTURE. Capturing different ethnic tribes in their cultural dance and clothing during the celebration of Pambansang Wika 2019.

Photo by Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz

Various events showcasing the love for the Filipino language and culture were done as part of the celebration. Poster making contest, slogan writing contest, makatang Pilipino challenge, and quiz bee are among the academic activities.

The Cultural Night highlighted the festive commemoration where seminarians wore their Filipino costumes and the faculties were in their Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya.

Cultural dances from each tribe were staged.

Song numbers from different seminarians serenaded the night as well as Fr. Allan Neil Laqueo’s musical rendition served as intermission number. Each tribe vested for the title of Lakan with categories for modelling, talent and question and answer. Sem. Keith Czimonne Anderson Ciceron reigned as Lakan at the end of the Cultural Night.

The week-long celebration ended with the Palaro ng Lahi showcasing the different Philippine games such as Pamamalengke ni Maria, Bunong-Braso, Patintero, Habulan ng Manok, Palo Cebo and many others. A cook fest featuring the Quezon classic pancit habhab and lumpiang ubod were also done.

Many seminarians tried their luck at the Palo Cebo but Sem. John Dale Sayson prevailed at getting the flag. A boodle food fight was served after the games.

OLMCS reinvents instruction Junior High switches to distance learning

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Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz

he pandemic rippled on the educational system and as part of the new normal, educational institutions switched to distance and flexible learning modes as options to modify the regular classroom setting. With this, in compliance with the Inter-Agency Task Force and the Department of Education, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary likewise adapted its mode of instruction to propel for the best welfare of the seminarians.

Currently, online enrollment and registration processes are done by the seminary. The formation year shall officially commence on August 24, 2020.

The senior high school seminarians shall still undergo the regular seminary

Seminarians participate in first Semi-SOLTARE

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formation while the junior high school seminarians shifted to distance learning.

To cater the challenge in terms of connectivity, the seminary shall be distributing online modules to junior high school seminarians. They will also undergo a seminary formation at home. A parent orientation shall be done beforehand to guide the guardians and parents through the participation needed in order to continually form the seminarians even if they’re not regularly housed in the seminary. This learning setup shall be done up until December 2020 provided that health situation of the country eases up at January 2021. After this, they will ideally shift into the regular seminary formation by the last part of the academic year.

As for the senior high school seminarians, protocol and safety guides are distributed to parents and seminarians to guide them in their stay. Month-ends shall be omitted and visitation schedules are to be implemented. They will also arrive weeks prior to the commencement of the academic year to accommodate for their quarantine inside the seminary.

Prior to the sending off of the seminarians, brothers from Marinduque stayed in the seminary during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and went home only after the quarantine was eased to general community quarantine (GCQ). Recognition and graduation ceremonies are likewise slated to be done online to assure the safety of the community.

UP FOR THE NEW NORMAL. OLMCS follows the safety protocols and guidelines given by the IATF and DepEd as it switches to distance learning for its junior high seminarians.

Photo from freepik.com

Palaro ng Lahi

NEWS

PHOTO

G A L L E RY

Sem. Allen Tolete

LMCS Seminarian brothers attended and graced the first semi-SOLTARE last November 20, 2019 where seminarians over CALABARZON convened.

Semi-SOLTARE 2019 was held at Kamay ni Hesus Lucban Quezon. During the morning session, the seminarians gathered for morning plenary. They listened to different aspects of formation shared by Rev. Fr. Edwin O Panergo for spiritual formation, Msgr. Tony Obeña for human aspect formation, Msgr. Andro Castro for community formation, Msgr.

Oscar Leaño for pastoral formation and Rev. Fr. Renato Pareja for academic formation. An Eucharistic Celebration led by the Bishop Emeritus of Lucena, Most.

Rev. Bishop Emilio Z. Marquez D. D. followed and the homilist was Most. Rev. Bishop Marcelino Maralit, D.D. The afternoon session was for the games. The basketball games were held at Batis Aramin while the volleyball was held at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Seminary. After the games, dinner was served during the socialization night.

In sharing the vision of SOLTARE priests, the event was organized to strengthen the bond and camaraderie and to cultivate relationships between seminarians from different places over the region.

BROTHERS IN ACTION. Seminarians showed their strength and strategies in Palaro ng Lahi during the last day celebration of Buwan ng Wika 2020.

Photos by Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

03 NEWS

Flos Carmeli OLCMS launches vocation campaign

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Sem. Paul Benedict Baloloy

ur Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary launches vocation campaigns to promote the priestly vocation among young seminarian aspirants. On the onset of the year 2020, incoming Grade 7 and Grade 11 seminarians from different dioceses came to took part in the search-in.

Seminarians likewise engage into social activities to warmly welcome the search-in participants. Search-ins were usually held every Saturday and Sunday starting January 2020 where participants stay overnight and socialize with the seminarians to have an insight of how is the life inside the seminary.

A diocesan vocation jamboree was likewise slated on April 28 to 30, 2020 in cooperation with Lucena Seminarians Organizations (LSO) and Association of Men and Women Religious in Lucena Diocese (AMWORLD). The said event had a theme “Yapak, Hakbang, Tawid” and shall be constituted by the spiritual enrichment and sports events. Sharing and seminars on faith shall also be part of the jamboree. However, the event did not pushed through the happenings due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

>> From page 1

OLMC hosts...

The Eucharistic celebration was presided by the former rector of OLMCS and the Vicar General of the Diocese of Lucena, Rev. Msgr. Dennis M. Imperial started the next day of SANGKAN SHS. Outdoor games happened during the second day held in OLMCS and SJASQ gymnasiums while the formators and rectors were headed on a lunch meeting and tour at Villa Escudero Plantation Resort in Tiaong, Quezon.

Both volleyball and basketball games were sealed by Mary Help of Christians Seminary.

After the vespers and dinner, seminarians and all the visitors were given the chance to mingle and get to know each other during the Socials Night. A live band serenaded the night.

Free-flowing food and drinks were served during the Socials Night.

Holy Mass presided by Bishop of Lucena, Most Rev. Mel Rey M. Uy, DD commenced the last day of SANGKAN Senior High. He stressed in his homily, “Hindi man kayo manalo, panalo naman kayong lahat sa Diyos.” Immediately after the championship for the outdoor games, the awarding of the winners took place. In over-all, the Mary Help of Christians Seminary snatched the championship leaving Mary Assumpta Seminary and St. John Paul II Minor Seminary on the first and second runnerup places respectively.

OLMCS received a plaque of appreciation from St. Gregory the Great Minor Seminary – Albay as a sign of their gratitude for the warm welcome, accommodation, and stay in OLMCS. Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo, rector of OLMCS, said in his closing remarks that aside from awards and title, brotherhood is more important to be cultivated to all seminarians. He also added, “What we do is always for the greater glory of God.” The SANGKAN ended with a final blessing given by the Fr. Panergo.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

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OPINION Flos Carmeli EDITORIAL BOARD & STAFF Editor-in-chief: Sem. Karl Gabriel Perlas Associate Editor/ Cartoonist: Sem. Charles Andrew Ravele Managing Editor: Sem. John Vincent Lacerna News Editor: Sem. Gian Elson Paulus Gondra Feature Editor: Sem. Christian Laurenaria Sports Editor: Sem. Rowan Atkin Villaruel Entertainment Editor: Sem. John Bernard Loayon Photojournalist:

Sem. Keith Czimonne Anderson Ciceron

Encoder: Sem. Jomarthy Obeña Writers/Contributors: Sem. Paul Benedict Baloloy Sem. Daniel Ethan Queddeng Sem. Allen Tolete Sem. Jose Louis Libiano Sem. Michael Evan Mergenio Sem. Marwin Capistrano Sem. Karl Laurence Trimillos Sem. Marion Alexander Ranillo Sem. Jed Matthew Reyes Sem. Robin Pergis Sem. Miguel Hilario Student Publication Advisers Ms. Rechelle Moron Ms. Shiela Alcantara Consultant Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz Principal Rev. Fr. Allan Neil Laqueo Rector Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo

STATISTICS There is a total of 82 enrolled seminarians, wherein:

Which side to look at?

EDITORIAL

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f you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” We all want to have a good outcome of whatever we do. We envision good things and aspire better endings.

But not all expectations fall into the realities that we wish to be. Sometimes, outcomes are far from our deemed results. We cannot deny to ourselves that when something goes wrong or something have a poor performance, among the reasons is the lack of preparation.

Last January 29-31, 2020, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary hosted the SANGKAN Senior High. It has been months of toil and challenge for each and every one to produce an event we can all be proud of. It’s been a great challenge not only to the priest formators, but even to teachers, seminarians, and whole community who worked behind the scenes to prepare and be ready for the big event.

The big event entailed a lot since it was a national event involving over 800 participants around the country.

With this, months ahead became months of preparation. Preparation required time, sacrifice, efforts, and giving of oneself. We can say that time is very essential in one’s preparation because it is like a bridge where we can pass different failures. Procrastination leads many people to unproductivity and uncertainties. It’s just the same as cramming for an exam or the typical thesis writing stint which was done a day before the deadline.

As the big day went, OLMCS took

pride in making the participants happy and contented with the turn of events.

But behind those smiles of our fellow OLMCS seminarians was a looming grief for not winning the sports events during the SANGKAN SHS. One factor that can really affects good preparation is the focus. Hosting the event divided our mindset towards making the event itself great, winning the games as well and/or both. As host seminary, we focused on making the event worthwhile falling short in preparing for the games unlike those past SANGKANs that we were only set at bringing home the bacon. There were instances that seminarians were assigned to a specific committee and at the same time they were having their training for sports, indoor or outdoor.

In the games, it is not only a picture of who won the championship.

The best player is not really the winner at all times. Sometimes, it is the the one who learned from his mistakes and became the better version of oneself.

Let us be reminded that SANGKAN

SHS is a lesson learned and a point to remember that despite the challenge of hosting an event, we still have to balance our priorities. If we envision to be great at hosting and playing games, we must have a preparation plan catered to both goals.

Preparation entails sacrifice and time. We cannot say that a performance is poor when we give our whole self in preparation for uncertain outcome. Our only guarantee is that we did our best no matter what.We cannot say that a performance is poor when we give our whole self in preparation for uncertain outcome. Our only guarantee is that we did our best no matter what.

The SANGKAN itself presented a bunch of opportunities for selfdevelopment in each and every seminarian, might as well in the working committees that exerted their efforts in making the event successful.

What is really the true measure of good performance? It is merely subjective.

We win some and we lose some. It is up to us which side to look at.

26 24

Obedience in the Seminary Formation Obedience finds its highest value. In this level, Obedience 11

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5

5

G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12

TOTAL

82

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he word “obedience” is derived from 2 Latin words - ob (“to”) + audire (“listen”). Literally, it means “to listen to” someone other than the self. Normally, at the beginning of the school year, seminarians are being trained to listen to the ringing of the bell, which signals that an activity is about to end, and another activity is about to start. Serving as the external guide of the seminarians throughout the day, the sound of the bell is considered as the voice of God.

turns and becomes Docility to the Spirit.

RECTOR’S NOTE Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo

However, few weeks thereafter there comes a change in the procedure. The ringing of the bell is set aside in order to challenge the seminarians to obey and follow schedules and policies even without the exterior sound of the bell. In this, the seminarians are being trained to internalize the rhythm of seminary life. Obedience, in this case, comes not from the exterior push but from internalized habit.

And then the seminarians are being

guided to add spiritual dimension to Obedience. In this level, the seminarians obey not because of the bell anymore, nor out of habit, but in order to please and meet God in the activity of the moment.

Here, Obedience finds its highest value. In this level, Obedience turns and becomes Docility to the Spirit. Here, every obedient act becomes an occasion of encounter with God. Here, one grows in holiness.

To end, let us always reflect on a

Biblical Passage taken from Proverbs 21:2 which says: “Vir Obediens Loquetur Victoriam” (The Obedient speaks Victory). Thus, we should never get tired of imbibing the Virtue of Obedience no matter how difficult it is.

I wish that the 82 seminarians who are under the care of the current team of formators and staff in the School Year 2019-2020 continue to grow in the Virtue of Obedience.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

TOTGA In every failed relationship or dream, let us remember to pick up the learning not the hurt feelings.

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n urban dictionary, TOTGA stands for The One That Got Away or simply put in millennial terms, Ghosting. It happens when someone who’s been pursuing you romantically disappeared or became distant all of a sudden.

We usually associate these terms to our failed love stories. But in reality, we are all at some points “ghosted”. I can associate this with the things that we wanted to happen. Be it aspirations, goals or personality pegs that we dreamed for.

The Chase Those dreams become our daily prayers. We even do sacrifices like daily Masses and novenas. Also, we devote ourselves to ask for intercessions. At the same time, we work hard for those things that we pray for.

We sometimes have visions of ourselves living our aspirations in daydreams. Some are even more structured enough to construct a game plan or scribble those in a planner or to do list. We even devise means on how to get to those goals little by little, in high hopes that with perseverance and great faith, all things that we dream for are possible.

They also say that focus is the key.

Prioritize what’s important and necessary.

With undivided attention and unrelenting commitment to what we aspire for, our aspirations become more achievable.

The Reality Slap Nevertheless, despite the prayers and hard works, some things that we aspire for will not materialize. As you put it in the ghosting context, no matter how good the chase is, some relationships are not really meant for each other. No matter how hard you worked for or you prayed for it, some things will never really be as what you

KAIZEN

imagined it to be.

Doing our best at all times and giving it a shot no matter how difficult things are lessens the guilt and regrets afterwards. But it is also good to note that it is not always about our shortcomings.

People who have been ghosted usually miss the part that it is not always about them. Sometimes, timing is the real key.

“No” is different from “not yet” or “not now”. People who have missed the shot and experienced failure tends to focus on the constant reiteration of the reasons why they missed it or why they failed or why they were ghosted. Paranoia is on loop after and we tend to overanalyze the whole picture.

Ms. Mara Angeli E. Cadiz

Jeremiah 29: 11: “For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to Prosper You and Not to Harm You, Plans to Give You Hope and a Future.”

In every failed relationship or dream, let us remember to pick up the learning not the hurt feelings. Patiently waiting for God’s plan for us to unveil in our eyes is not easy. But we can take it as an opportunity to be better and stronger versions of ourselves. Let us redefine “TOTGA” as “The One That God Allowed”. Let us continually put our faith up tight that no matter how many opportunities vanish, no matter how many times we fail, God will always bring us through the right chances, right people in His perfect story that He drafted for us.

Faith over Feelings This is where faith comes in. Faith entails believing in God’s plan for you with complete trust and confidence. He is indeed writing the best love or success story for each and every one of us. Quoting

Saying “Yes” The true essence of being blessed lies in having God in your life filling all the emptiness in one’s life.

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eloved, gifted and empowered --- this was how the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) described the young people of our country and of the world.

Youth are the most generous, bravest people of God for they were hardly dedicated to the ministry.

Many young people spend most of their time serving others especially those who are suffering. This is a gift that all the young people possess. It is a gift which all of us are sharing, gift that can change the world.

Pope Francis once said “Youth is the now of the church”. In other words, it is the youth of today turning to help and contributing a lot in solving the Church shouldering most of the world’s heavy

baggage of problems and issues.

Serving others does not only mean to be physically, mentally and financially ready. It needs a sincere heart to listen and the resilience to obey God’s will.

Responding to God’s call entails full of courage to say “Yes” without knowing what would happen next. Mary is a perfect example for the young people of today in sacrificing everything just to follow the will of God. It can be expressed in different ways, in married life, single blessedness and priesthood. But the important thing is to discover what God had destined for us and be brave enough to say “Yes”.

But it is not as simple as that, especially in today’s world of material things, where selfishness drains the youth

are poor and weak who are persecuted. It

is saddening that the youth which is the now of the church are suffering from these struggles.

How can we become the now of the Church if we are stuck in the middle of the sea of earthly frustation? It’s a surprise that Jesus called us blessed. But how can we become blessed when we’re poor, hungry, thirsty, persecuted and mourning?

Being blessed does not only lie with having the earthly riches. The true essence of being blessed lies in having God in your life filling all the emptiness in one’s life. Be it something physical, financial, or emotional. Being blessed is having that feeling of completeness and entire surrender to what God has planned for someone.

With this, it is indeed that the young people of God are truly blessed and capable of many things for they bravely and whole-heartedly surrendered and uttered their “yes” for God despite of their sufferings. They too considered the will of God in every work and in every thoughts.

It is important to note that to simply live with Him is an absolute blessing.

As youth, we can use our positive energies to influence others to say “yes” too in serving God and setting good examples. By that, it is the timely for the youth to take their turn and change the world. Strike our “yes” and make the positive change happen.

CHARLIE THOUGHTS Sem. Charles Andrew R. Ravele

apart to their mission and purpose.

Quoting the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor…Blessed are they who mourn…

Blessed are the meek…Blessed are they who hunger and thirst …Blessed are the merciful…Blessed are the clean of heart…

Blessed are the peacemaker…Blessed are they who persecuted for righteousness sake… (Mt 5:3-12)” When I am meditating upon this, it comes into my mind that in this restless journey of life, the young people are not expected in different life struggles. In fact, they are one of those who mourn, those who hunger and thirst, those who

Loving Get Tired

H

...when loving becomes uneasy, you still endure and there comes that unconditional love.

ave you been in love? Did you feel the great emotions, decisions because of falling in love? Do you feel exhausted on loving?

Lastly, are you the hopeless romantic person which is convinced that loving will never tend to be tiring?Love is the among the universal things each of us has experienced in many ways. It is even regarded as best feeling one can ever feel.

Most of the time, lovers do their best for their loved ones. They both put effort to show love. They both endure pains, sufferings to prove that their love are great.

The lovers are full of emotions. They always lead to exaggeration and becoming overwhelmed.

One day, group of friends are talking about love. They are exchanging their thoughts and opinions about love. One of

the member of the group asked them “is loving tend to be tiresome?” Most of them answered “no”. The feeling of being tired lies about sacrificing.

Loving can be a tiresome thing. And it is not easy extending the love and effort for your loved ones; hence, love must be appreciated. Most of the time lovers say: “Even I get tired I pursued this thing because I love him/her”.

This passage is stucked on my mind.

The process is indeed not easy and entails a lot of difficulties and compromise.

Lovers nowadays must face the reality and don’t blame themselves that love can exhausted us. Sometimes a problem why lovers got separated because they are blaming each other. Too much overwhelm of emotions are not helpful nor healthy for such relationship.

Every passing day is a challenge for the lovers to keep the love burning.

It is indeed that in order to sustain the relationship, one must choose the person he/she loves everyday. You have to accept the persons’ positive and negative traits as well. The process of loving someone does not end with the sweet lines rather toils with the fact that when loving becomes uneasy, you still endure and there comes that unconditional love.

That is the same toil that God had for us. As humans, we are never perfect. We endlessly commit mistakes and up against our own demons. But no matter how tiring and difficult it is for Him to love us, He’s still there opening ways towards coming back to His flock. But the challenge is also up to us, we have to choose Him every single day, no matter how tiring and in spite of the hardship.

To end, let us be reminded of what 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 has to say: ”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it

COMMUNITY

PEN NEYM Sem. Christian P. Laurenaria

does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

PULSE

What’s your insight about OLMCS applying DepEd’s new normal (blended learning, distance learning etc.)?

I think it is still more beneficial if the students still have the interactive learning process. They can conduct regular class since the seminary setup is a different one as compared to the regular classes.

Protocols such as social distancing, using own utensils, and wearing of face masks shall be done.

Mrs. Luchie dela Cruz, parent of SHS Seminarian

We should also assess the skills of the seminarians. We all have different learning methods. If we all go into the online learning, it might be detrimental to some.

Things like sufficient materials such as mobile phones, laptops or computers and connectivity should also be considered.

Sem. Rowan Villaruel, Grade 10 Seminarian

Everything has to change as to what the situation demands. And education is greatly affected giving us the “new” means for education to continue and learning to transpire amidst the global threat. This “new” means, online or blended learning, distance learning, are not really new.

Ms. Rechelle Moron, faculty member

Because of this new normal, it’s not only the academic formation that should also be considered. Most importantly, it’s the priestly formation. It’s a major adjustment to do changes in the modes of instruction and holistic formation.

Rev. Fr. Allan Neil Laqueo, principal and priest formator

05

OPINION Flos Carmeli

SLICE OF LIFE Sem. Karl Gabriel P. Perlas

Blessing in Disguise Those who are always focused on their jobs have now the chance to return the quality time lost to their children and families.

O

ne of our spiritual director once said during the celebration of Holy Mass, “As we experienced this pandemic COVID-19, God puts everything in order.”

Most of the people today are such busy in their studies, business, jobs, careers, travels, and other earthly calls. Students sometimes forget themselves because they were bombarded with so much tasks, projects, assignment, etc.

Going late at bed, rising up early, skipping meals, and sacrificing their health just to keep up with the school requirements is on loop.

Entrepreneurs are busy on their works and careers which can really affect the relationships they have to the people around them including their families. The time that should be given to significant others, friends, children, loved ones are somehow taken by the call of career due to the lost of quality time and communication. The business of the world, continuous production of smoke due to transportation and factories makes the earth to lose its natural beauty.

Because each one of us are focused the call of earthly things, we don’t only forget our family, friends, loved ones, ourselves, our nature, but we also fail to talk and listen to God. The pandemic COVID-19 does not only affected and threatened our health but it changes everything we used to do in our everyday life. Even if the school year is not yet ending, many schools cancelled their classes, graduation day, and other activities.

Lockdown and quarantine also affected thousands of jobs, travels and transportation, and even our faith. In general, the world is not in normal system and routine.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

06

OPINION Flos Carmeli

THE PRETENDER Sem. Rowan Atkin M. Villaruel

Driftpression

D

In this process of healing, the depressed person must not fear

epression is a prominent illness but many of us are unaware of its evil demeanor.

Some of us even neglect its existence and put a stigma that one is crazy or over-acting if he or she experience such. But it is really important we are given light to our mental health wellness and its corresponding medical treatment.

Depression may come into people of all walks of life due to a variety of reasons, people become depressed for instances like maybe they lost their job or a close friend passed. Some even succumbed to thisbecause of bullying and family problems.

Today, 2 out of 10 persons are experiencing depression. In clinical depression, there doesn’t necessarily have to be because of a reason. It is an imbalance caused by the chemicals in the brain which are responsible for mood control resulting you to feel bad even if your life is going well .

Now we learn the effects and the reasons of depression but how can a person like as prevent this case?

Genetics can also take part since we have to understand that depression is not just emotional or mental, it is also a physical predicament that we must address.

It is highly encouraged that a depressed person’s family, friends or other support systems take part in helping the person ease with depression.

To note, opening up to socialization opportunities can help them to realize that there are friends, family members, and healthcare professionals that can help them to be comforted.

In this process of healing, the depressed person must not fear. Take the initiative and have the courage to seek help from your core support system or healthcare professionals. Despite that there are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful that anything that bleeds, we must never give up on ourselves. Drifting from the reality wouldn’t do any help. As they say, there is no way but through.

We don’t know at the moment what they are feeling right now but the best means also that we can extend to those in despair and in the midst of depression is to pray and ask our Lord Jesus Christ for help so that He may give the guidance of the Holy Spirit for each and every one.

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Tulfo and teacher shaming: the face of justice nowadays PERSPECTIVES

For the past years until now, I observed many things in school. I observed how students learn, how students are being educated and how students are being disciplined.

We all know that we also learn in our parents in our homes. We are also being educated and we are being disciplined. But the difference is very big.

Tulfo is not the proper venue especially when it comes to matters of discipline.

In our schools, our teachers are our second parents. With the shaming of teacher and with the child protection policy, it is harder for teachers to discipline their students. Without discipline, we cannot build a world of obedience.

In the seminary, you cannot put a formator in a venue like Tulfo just because you are sanctioned.

Sanctions are deemed to be given as a form of discipline for you to grow obedience. Discipline is a practice of training people to obey rules. Punishing is a way for one to gain control of one’s behavior.

Here in the seminary, we promote spirituality and academic formation. Obedience as well forms part of the seminary formation.

Discipline works anytime, anywhere and in any place. Without it, our world would go in an anarchy. And with it, we are creating a better world.

So with it, we must start on ourselves and in the littlest corner of the society: families and schools.

Karl Laurence Trimillos

Discipline is very important to a person especially to those who are studying or undergoing formation. It is an ingredient or need for a well and effective formation.

Most cases in the Tulfo channel are products of misunderstanding and misinterpretation. For me, it is wrong for a teacher to punish his/her student just because it is a way for the student to be humiliated. Things like that should come from a moral stand just like leading one to learn from his/ her mistakes. It is not different from the past years when the teachers give tough ways to discipline students.

Nowadays, students tend to hide behind the child protection policy.

It is good to have limitations and yes, we all know that we are limited in certain things. Their limitations seems to be misinterpreted. In order for us to live in a much peaceful way, it is highly important that we care about what other people’s limits and respect their limitations just as how we wish to be respected too.

Tulfo’s channel is good to us because he provides avenues for some arguments in the problems that people encounter. However, some people abuse it and bring some senseless problem just for the trends.

It is very important that we need to think of our actions before doing it. It would fall into perils of trauma on the person that we prosecute and at later times, we might be haunted by the guilt because of such.

Patrick Marquez

Shaming is offensive. It can lessen the self-esteem of a person that can probably lead to one’s depression.

Tulfo is gaining popularity these days to correct societal evils.

But just recently, people were off against them when the teacher was shamed. “Mamili ka makukulong ka or mawawalan ka ng lisensya”.

It disappoints me that the Child Protection Policy was abused in this context. It had become a tool for parents to spoil their children.

And it was likewise disappointing that Tulfo had become so biased on his comments to protect his complainant, falling short of considering the other side of the story.

Thence so, I would call to remind everyone that before we put judgment in our hands, we must have pondered on the two sides of the story.

Karl Gabriel Perlas

Charles Ravele

How do I unlove you?

D

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

ivorce bill is underway. It had brought clamor among the political and religious scenes for its positive and adverse effects.

Among the features of this divorce bill being proposed are the equal separation of property among the separated couple, a plan for co-parenting for their children, and of course, the best part about it that interests most of its advocates is the chance to re-marry. Some advocates also pushed for the passing of the divorce bill because they’re already separated to their legitimate husbands or wives and with the passing of the law, their relationship with their new partners will then be legal. Others proponents are likewise in favor of it because of domestic violence and unjust treatment suffered by one of the couples.

But on the other end, The Church says otherwise. The Church abhor the fact that when it becomes institutionalized the people’s value for the sanctity of marriage shall be greatly tainted. Marriage becomes as easy as “when the two of us aren’t working out, let’s just call it off”.

Whatever happened to for better or for worse or for richer or for poorer can just be charged to history. With this, children from the upcoming generations are off to more chances of having wrecked homes that most likely ripple to their upbringing, values, and personalities.

Personally, the question of how do I unlove you is not easy. We all know that being married is not easy. And having children is quite a challenge for both of individuals engaging into marriage. But before we come to a point of separation, let us be reminded of the only “Third party” who should be allowed to become

part of our union as couples --- God as the center of our relationship.

Surely, individual differences may come to hurdle people’s relationship as married couples. Complexities and financial problem may also come along together with your differences but I personally believe that loving someone entails a lot more than just saying I do on that day that you’re married. It involves choosing that person everyday, choosing him or her to be your co-parent, partner, best friend and even worst enemy. We must exert all efforts to try and adjust for us to both meet halfway.

Yes, it might be unfair to stay in a marriage just for the children (on the couple’s part). But it is likewise unfair on the part of the children that they have to go through the process of separation and they’ll be deprived to have a broken family just because their parents are not

ACCIDENTAL GENIUS Sem. Gian Elson Paulus D. Gondra

going well. So my panacea to a troubled marriage is not divorce, but meeting halfway.

Let us love with how God loves us. Let’s be reminded of how love was defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And let’s live this definition up everyday. By this way, we need not to unlove.

Us in the Midst of Pandemic POST SCRIPT Ms. Rechelle S. Moron

R

ight from the beginning of the year 2020, our world has already been welcomed by horrible events. And the greatest of these which until now is threatening everyone in the world from all walks of life is the Corona Virus 2019 or COVID-19. A virus which started in Wuhan, China and is now a pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization. More than a hundred of countries are now in lockdown with businesses and companies shutting down. The virus seems to have stopped the world from turning.

Last March 15, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared Luzon to be placed into an Enhanced Community

...this situation has given the people plenty of time to criticize everything which they believe is worth criticizing.

Quarantine which means people are no longer allowed to leave or enter their specific city or province’s borders. This also entails that people must strictly follow the Stay-at-Home policy and should not do their ‘business as usual’. However, underprivileged people cannot do away with their ordinary life for they have to earn money for their daily needs, because if they will stay home, it would mean them starving to death. Despite the relief goods and financial aid that the government are providing, it will never be sufficient to sustain a big family; and this is the problem.

Many would say Filipinos are too hard-headed. They cannot be controlled by just saying the word. They keep on doing their businesses like the usual which a violation against the government policy.

How can we be of help to our government if can’t even follow the policies?

The government says stay at home to avoid catching the virus. In fact, the virus does not move but the people carrying it do. The government says do social

distancing at least one meter, but what do people do? Negligence. This is us, Filipinos. Then, later on, we begin blaming the authorities for poor governance. For those who stay home but continuously criticize the government, thank you for obeying the policy; however, can we just show our appreciation and support? These people in the government are doing their job and their fair share to alleviate this pandemic and so should you.

When you have exercised your freedom of expression, what help did it bring to those who are sick, to those who are hungry, to those who have no money? It still remains a criticism and it doesn’t help. Perhaps this situation has given the people plenty of time to criticize everything which they believe is worth criticizing. Are we being fair? Or are we being one-sided? We fight the virus, not the people. They may be totally wrong, but still, we fight the virus.

Frontliners such as medical professionals, volunteers, law enforcers, local government units, and even those

that are serving us in the basic utilities store are doing their sacrifice just to make the pandemic a little less lighter for each and everyone. But a person who just babbles in his/her social media accounts with his critical eye for detail beneficial to what we are experiencing right now?

Let us make this pandemic productive and share our fair chunk of sacrifice. We can do so but sharing helpful infobits on how people can prevent getting infected.

We can also spread words about nongovernmental initiatives to help those that in the grassroots of the Filipino population or those pulling in donations for protective personal equipments for those frontliners.

Or we can just simply pray sincerely for every one’s survival in the midst of this medical and economic crisis.

We can either help fight this virus or be the virus that erodes our strength as a nation facing this pandemic. So to everyone, how can we really be of help to our country during these times?

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Woke We must be woke in the true essence of service.

A

wake from your slumber, Benedicamus Domino!

Benedicamus Domino! These are the very first thing that we do in the morning. More than the yell, it is a tradition to glorify God as part of the prime agenda in our daily routine.

However, many of us don’t really understand the true essence of this practice. For some seminarians, this is just part of our seminary formation that we need to abide or else we would face a consequence. Yes, it is good to obey or rather it is mandatory to obey but the reality still boils down to the following questions: Are you obeying just because you do not want to have a sanction? Are we waking and following the seminary itineraries just to go with the flow of the community?

Opening our eyes every morning had become our common nature as

seminarians. It’s been a daily drill to rise up before dawn and say our prayers together with the community.

The mere opening of our eyes was not the struggle indeed. The legitimate challenge is the way we defy our desire to sleep more and open our hearts in our prayers and praises for the greater glory of God. All of us get up early every morning whether you are a parent, student, teacher, professional or an ordinary person. What varies is our purpose of waking up. As the Nescafe commercial asks, “Para kanino ka bumabangon?” A parent rises for his/ her family specially for the children. A student wakes up in the morning and goes to school to learn and to prepare for a better future. A teacher rises to teach her students and become a part their dream. Others rise up for their own reason and purpose in life.

Being a seminarian, we are bound

VINCENTIMENTS Sem. John Vincent M. Lacerna

to love and serve God who called us in this way of life and vocation. We are ought to live with the community to socialize and to strengthen the bonds of commonality in fraternal communion with them as a brothers different, but one in mission. The academic formation forms us as educated men equipped with the knowledge needed to preach the good news of salvation. The presence of the priest formators serves as tools in formation.

Nonetheless, still, the real formation takes place is within the seminarian.

As we undergo formation to the priesthood, the truth exist that we battle with our own desire, concupiscence, and wants. Conflicts will always be

part of the formation process. As Father Rector always remind us: “Konting aral, konting dasal, daming kain, daming laro, pari din namn sa huli”. Hence, we must remember that it is not just a fruit of going with the flow with the community. It is highly important to realize the true purpose of formation.

We must be woke in the true essence of service. A passion selfemptying (Kenosis) means about in this formation as it teaches us becoming an effective preacher to proclaim the good news of salvation, a man of prudence and piety is a face of Christ who is the fount of love. We, if do not grow in love with Christ who loved us in the very beginning, will be wasted infusing in our self that we are made out of love, called out of love and made to love.

Going back to the prior mentioned questions: “Are you obeying just because you do not want to have a sanction? Are we waking and following the seminary itineraries just to go with the flow of the community?” The answer is should be No. No, because it is the will of God. We follow not our own as we “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord” mentioned in Luke 7:50. Yes, we live a different and a hard life but we must always strike a balance and must always be woke and fully aware of the reality that we’re in.

Technically Yours

07

OPINION Flos Carmeli

SPECTRUM Sem. John Bernard E. Loayon

Mind Games

We must keep the pace as we fight along in this modern times.

TRIMMED Sem. Karl Laurence V. Trimillos

A

s we grasp the technologies that we have, people had gone so much further with the innovation. Civilization started back when humans started using fire, initiated cooking and left hunting and eating raw food just to make a living.

From spears, our armory had evolved to gunpowder and now, to biowarfare.

I believe that these technologies make us better humans. But still, these technologies would not work out if not for

the minds of the people. We make these technologies progressive as we work on to continually develop it to help mankind in easing up its problems and making life more convenient.

Among the fast growing trends in terms of tech are the virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality.

Mixed reality, AI and sensor technologies can help organizations improve operational efficiency and individual productivity. In 2019, virtual reality is going to open up to innovative industrial applications that will change how people work and collaborate across the globe. Reality technologies add features on our smartphones such as additional digital lenses seen in Snapchat lenses and virtual game, Pokemon Go. Years passed, we used to send letters

via snail mail. People get to exchange messages in a longer scale while today, it’s easy for us to send via Messenger. Family members abroad used to send voice tapes or pay for high cost overseas call just to make connections from their family members here. This is made easier through video calls. People will continually make developments. Meetings are made easier through online platforms like Zoom or Google classroom. We are even opt to switch on a distance learning as we face the pandemic.

These are proofs that technology is indeed in a never-ending loop. People are still be continually agitated by their curiosity to learn more, discover innovation, and make life easier for each

and everyone. But, I think it is highly important to make positive use of these technological resources especially during these times. We must always be reminded to use technologies in a rightful and decent way. We must not use these to deceive people or to do bad things over others.

We, in the country, have a lot to improve in terms of technology and connectivity. We must keep the pace as we fight along in this modern times. Thus, the people craving for learning must be highly supported by the government for it is a win-win thing to improve both for the mankind and the system as well. We must fully embrace the desire for improvement towards a positive and beneficial purpose.

Then we can say, the development is technically ours.

Essential or Not: Religious Celebrations in the Pandemic LARGER

A

s we face the COVID-19 pandemic, people are facing changes from their used to be normal. Some refer to this life phase as the “new normal”. But it has been a puzzle if religious celebrations and activities are not part of the new normal.

To limit exposure and maintain social distance, during the community quarantine, only one quarantine pass was given to each household. That person alone can procure necessities.

Senior citizens and youth/children aging twenty-one and below are restricted and discouraged to get out of their houses.

Mass transportation too are suspended.

Some people have no choice also but to work despite the risk especially if they work for essential businesses and/ or services like those working for pharmacies, grocery stores, banks, hospitals, and government. It’s been hard for the Church and churchgoers not to be part of what were considered as “essential services”.

Masses are moved into online platforms. Churchgoers are barred from entering the premises as the number of people allowed on Churches under areas in ECQ are only five and in GCQ are only

SCALE

Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz

ten. Despite the proposed fifty-percent (50%) capacity limits and the promise of the Roman Catholic Church to abide by the health and safety protocols, the ruling on number of people allowed remains.

Rev. Fr. Ramil Esplana, who regularly does online masses during the pandemic shared his view on the “new normal”. As he shared, he said that “In view of the necessary protocol to be observed, I think that there will be significant changes in the physical structuring of the liturgical celebrations, like the importance of physical distancing, which inevitably results to less interaction in the celebration.” Nonetheless, he said that he still hopes and prays that the zeal and blazing passion and commitment on the part of the clergy will not change, if it ever do, it will be for the better. During this times, for him, it demands that he needs to offer spiritual upliftment to the people, that is: trying his best to bring to them God and His assuring presence. In the end, he extended his hopes to be that “there will be changes in the externalities of the celebrations but the essentials will remain the same.”

Our own rector, Rev. Fr. Edwin Panergo, is also not into the online switch of the religious celebrations. “I don’t envision that the online celebration of the Sacraments will become the new normal.

The online celebrations of the Liturgy for everyone is only a kind of adjustment.”

Despite his personal note, they are ought to follow the guidelines set by the Bishops.

They too are advised to inform the parishioners of these guidelines to abide by the rules set by the government.

This point of view is likewise shared

by Rev. Fr. Kirth Molos but with an added appeal to the authorities: “Personally speaking, I have nothing against it. History shows that avoiding such gatherings for the meantime is really necessary. I don’t see it as a form of discrimination or persecution. It’s just necessary. But, I think the government should realize also that religious activities are essential part of the lives of almost all people. We are spiritual beings by nature and therefore we need also spiritual nourishment. To respond to this need, close collaboration should be made between ecclesiastical and civil leaders. The church, I believe, can comply to the health directives such as social distancing, wearing of masks, temperature check, regular disinfecting of church facilities. And once this is guaranteed, the civil authorities must rethink their previous decision to still prohibit religious gatherings.”

Among the personal nourishment of an individual is his spiritual well-being. In this time where anxiety and predicaments

Among the personal nourishment of an individual is his spiritual well-being rise and quell in the minds of Filipino people, it would be very beneficial if we will be allowed to exercise our spiritual well-being through the religious celebrations and activities. It’s a balance between the need to be safe and the need to be well. As for now, we have no choice but to abide by the rules and just nourish our spiritual needs in the limited means available. We all hope that this is temporary. We must also remember that it is our faith and relationship with God that matter after all. Regardless of the place we’re in or the pandemic we’re facing, we must keep the faith and devotion intact. Because as of now, that’s the closest panacea that we have over these happenings.

G

...we must work on our weakpoints and intensify our advantages...

ame of the Generals or more popularly called as GG by the seminarians. GG is a mind game and was always a part of the indoor games in our usual SANGKAN. Most of us thought it’s just like an easy and ordinary game. But, I was wrong. Being a mind game, you need to know all the pieces by heart where the flag is the most important piece.

And you must not let it go.

My classmate, Sem. Gabriel Aristotelis Gambala is one of the GG masters in the seminary. During the recently concluded SANGKAN Senior High, he prevailed as champion for the third time. But according to him, the journey too was not easy. He came across different failures and losses before he had gained mastery of the game.

This made me think that we too can also be masters in our own games.

Sometimes, others look at our life challenges as easy for them. We too, also think that other’s challenges are easy at times. But we really don’t know. We all have struggles to face. Moreover, we have our own pain tolerances and resilience levels. Nothing is really comparable. As the cliche goes, everyone is unique.

In the life challenges that we face, just like in GG, we must be aware of the traits or pieces that we have. Continually, we must work on our weakpoints and intensify our advantages. We must hold dear our important values and not try to bend it for something shallow or superficial.

No matter how hard life is, we must not let go of the belief in ourselves. If everyone else are trying to test us and are waiting for us to fail, we must hold onto ourselves more. Everything that we do likewise should be offered to the greater glory of God. It was Him who endowed us with the opportunities that we can use to maximize our learning. He also gave us the talents that we can hone in order for us to succeed in our endeavors.

Today might not be our days of glory, but as long as we persevere and not give up, we are surely paving our paths to our God-made destinies.

Sometimes, the mind game is just a matter of believing in oneself and doing it for the greater glory of God. Believing that anything goes through difficulty and the mantra of patience will surely lead us to success.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

08

Rantings Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz

Most of the times, people get disappointed because they set the bar too high for themselves. We are guilty of being hard upon ourselves. Is it a good thing or bad thing? The good thing is to use this to challenge oneself. But not everyone works successful at this, most ended up dwelling in self-doubts.

That’s the very reason why we should not complicate. But as we simplify things and move away from complications, we sometimes leave other people behind…people who showed and spent time and effort just to show us how important we are to them.

But who’s really accountable for that? Who do we hold liable for people clinging to us? People usually draw the line, the barrier between relationships.

We’re used to labels. We became anxious for the losing such. We’ve gotten used to the fact that some should be stuck in the friendzone and others are jowable. But who are we to judge?

Most of us fall into wrong places because we have that critical eye. We got wary for little, trivial things. As they say, don’t sweat the small stuff. Maybe it’s human nature to look at things and others

LITERARY Flos Carmeli

Memoir Sem. John Bernard Loayon

Working on the table at 12 midnight, I just felt the cold December breeze of the wind on the outside. Surfing the Internet, browsing my Facebook, seeing IG stories and looking for tweets. I was fascinated about how technology can affect our lives and can be part of our lives but apparently I’ve been pondering of where my paths are going. Am I going to enter a seminary? But of course I said “No” I am happy with my life now though it is not easy, you will cook for yourself, wash your clothes because I was living far away from my family since I decided to enter in school somewhere in Lucena Cringggg... a call from my friend. Its already 1am, “hey? kumusta?” Night talks to my friend really affected my 1 hour reviewing the lessons. Later will be our Final exam and last day.

Drinking my hot chocolate because I’m not a big fan of coffee. It stucks in my mind on what she said to me. It’s the end of the school year and I really need to decide. Carry on! Just focus on the lessons! It’s your final examination!

Cringggggg..... My alarm. It’s 6 AM! Need to prepare and to be on school at the right time. OMG! This is the last day on my junior high school. Okay! Just remember on the lessons, just chill and go with the flow. Don’t be nervous. Just give your best!

As I was passing by the corridors, I saw my friend. “Ey! Naalala mo ba yung sinabi ko sayo kagabi?” “Yan na naman” “Basta pag-isipan mo!” Took a minutes to think about it. I was afraid of thinking on it. I look down on myself and telling: Are you ready? Have you discerned? Are you fit in? But I thought, God only knows. I am entering a life which is very different to the outside world. A life that is new to me and something that is full of silence. I used to have signs. If I am in this type of life, God will show me a bird flying to the east. Weird but I am confused but aside from bird flying to east, my friend tap on me at my back.

“Ano handa ka na? Pinag-isipan mo na? Wala namang mawawala kung ita-try mo?” “Sige try ko ha!” What my friend told me felt like a conscience running on loop: “Wala namang mawawala kung susubukan ko lang!”

Summer came and we’re ready to chill at the beach. All of us need some Vitamin Sea once in a while. But one day a tragedy ought to change my summer so much. I was on the road and on my way to my Grandma’s burial but suddenly my motorbike fell out because of the inconvenience of the road. It was not concrete and muddy! “Pano na kaya ako neto, hirap pa man sa seminaryo pag ganito”. I was enrolled then the next day I found myself in the hospital waiting for my right ankle operation.

June came by and the school year was starting on, I am here at the door of seminary, carrying my cross, carrying my crutches. I suddenly remembered what my friend told to me. “Hindi ka tinawag para sa sarili mo, tinawag ka dahil yan ang kagustuhan ng Diyos para sa iyo” So I’m in this moment willing to continue God’s will for me and happy to serve fruitfully with my heart. I’m not be able to do my things like before but I know someday that there will come a time when all the struggles, challenges and pain will reap success. I am now a Seminarian. I am still your Friend.

Graphics from lithub.com

differently, to perceive events differently.

But they also say that it’s lack of faith that makes human lost.

Trust is indeed a big word. Most of us have our walls of trust broken and crushed into pieces making it hard for us to believe especially those that our too good to be true. Nevertheless, what’s more difficult than rebuilding trust is having indomitable faith. There will be trying times challenging our faith over and over again. It’s something unexplainable and subjective in our personal notes. The uphill battle lives on.

For you to read up this point is such an honor. Hearing up rants for a friend or lending an ear, no matter how pathetic it may sound is such a mighty deed.

Sometimes, that alone might be enough to save a puzzled soul or a panicking human being. As humans, we tend to be thinking so hard, we kept on pondering and wondering of the questions and curiosities we quell longing for. But we also need to understand that some questions are meant for universe to unveil. For it is where the beauty of life lies: in mysteries, in puzzles, and God leading us to find the secrets, hints, and answers.

Unworthy Sem. Gian Gondra

A person like me doesn’t Deserve a person like you You’re just so special And should be with “You know who”.

I’ll swallow my pride Just to follow your strides And to let all the emotions abide So stop telling me I haven’t tried You’re the right girl that I’ve been Dreaming of, with an angelic face, a voice So sweet, and always wearing a cute little smile, That always make my fragile heart a little agile.

I always wanted to be with you, really I do But you loved someone else that both of us barely knew Then you disappeared out of the blue.

As if it’s like the wind took you, and flew But in reality you just left and found someone new.

You really a deserve a man better than me Your love is really special, and yet it’s never for me, You will now achieve anything big if you’re with me, Therefore, I am and always be unworthy

Before Sem. John Vincent Lacerna

Before I die, Your love will be my raging fire; Your smile is my desire.

In your love, I will retire.

Graphics from theravensperch.com

Before my body enter the grave; Before I receive the reward of my fate, Let me revere you and give you praise; Adulate you with my unfailing faith.

Before I face the throne of the Most High.

Before I utter my final goodbye, Let your love lift me high, Let our love reach the infinite sky.

Jealous Sem. Christian Laurenaria

Basketball Sem. Karl Gabriel Perlas

When we first met I thought we’ll be alright.

I always ask myself, Why do you like others except me?

Why others are so happy being with you?

But when I try, It seems that you’re not for me and I’m not for you.

I got jealous when you’re happy even without me.

Do have any problem with me?

Why is it hard for me to make you happy?

Or am I the one who just forcing things to happen?

I’ve tried many times, but it seems that we’re not meant to be.

Maybe we’re not for each other.

Maybe it’s our time to rest, to learn, to find ourselves, and to say goodbye for a while.

And when the right time comes and we meet once more, I promise to fight for you and not to let you go again.

Sometimes I feel alone Asking myself do I really belong?

To the person whom I help the most But seems to have forgotten all my efforts Do I have the right to think this way?

And myself unceasingly Why am I in this melancholy?

When you’re heedless seemingly.

I also feel uneasy When at times you are lonely But I am also afraid for the day to come That you will no longer need me.

Thay you will be happy with someone Enjoy the company while it’s only good for fun Then one day you’ll be coming back With tears you can’t hold back.

I’d say you seem to have forgotten A friend who stays in every moment I never failed in staying I was left here waiting.

It’s hard for me but i have to accept For I’m just an ordinary friend You’ll have your mistakes but must go on You must learn and I must move on.

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Quaranthoughts Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz

We had been confined for some time now. I’ve been wondering how well you are. Have you been missing the hustle of every one’s clock ticking too fast? Have you been missing all those road trips by the seas and the bitter sweet sip of coffee from your usual Starbucks? Have you been missing all the booze due to this liquor ban? Have you been missing me just like how much I miss you?

We’re into the separation: physical or social, it does not really matter. Because it has been some time ever since we’re like this. Quarantined from each other, with so much distance that I cannot even fathom.

Anxiety knocks in every now and then… asking the whys and wondering the how… of how can we ever meet again and get back from the usual happy days.

New normal. As they say, we will never be the same. But this has been our constant for a couple of years now. Still, your memories will always be stuck in the days that I am seeing you smile, or getting you pissed, or hearing you strum that guitar with old Beatles songs.

Bridegroom

I hope that the virus won’t kill us.

We have longed so much for this dream just as how the whole globe’s wishing for a vaccine. I hope we are still one in that dream that we have dreamt for a long time. That soon after this pandemic, may we conquer the epidemic in our hearts and champion over our own demons.

If ever we meet again, with masks or not, may we soon smile through our eyes.

Swim and jam together again. Get drunk from the booze while talking about how the government has did it wrong all over again, how we cheat from card games and how life has its thousands of mysteries unfolding by surprise.

That with masks and protective gears or not, we can still make it through. Just as how the universe had pulled us together in a very unique and unexpected way, may we have this new normal help us in making things fall into place. No matter what, I am always whispering a prayer for you, if ever we meet again or not. Stay safe.

Sem. Charles Andrew Ravele

The chain bells rings to its fullest My heart beats without rest That feeling was the best And I can’t let it out of my chest I saw you walking on the aisle My eyes are fixed on your smile My world stops for a while When you looked at me in the eye I saw you coming slowly As he holds your hand tightly Both of you seems so happy In front of me Now you are here as a bride And I’m not the groom by your side But I am in front of you as a Priest to preside And now you may kiss the bride

Sem. Karl Gabriel Perlas

I was in a dark place.

A loud silence made my ear irritated.

The only thing I had that time was my key and a tiny LED light.

I took the light to help me see the place where I was in Turning on the light, I realized that I was in an abandoned mansion.

I saw a large painting of a family which was said murdered during the Second World War.

Sem. Karl Gabriel P. Perlas

Precious like a gem it is Very valuable like a kiss Reflects one’s emotion And an important companion It gives ears when no one listens It gives eyes to see your presence Tells how sweet and bitter life is Touches a heart to give a bliss

09

LITERARY Flos Carmeli

Call

Sem. Christian Laurenaria

Unsolved

Tears

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

I was looking at the right side of the house was a stair, leading to the basement.

Then, I heard continuous drops of water coming from there.

Although I felt uneasy, I followed the sound.

Reaching the basement, I stood before an old room.

I felt a strong force luring me to get inside.

It was so cold. But my hands and feet started to sweat.

My stomach began to feel heavy as well.

The moment I entered the room, I saw a very familiar object for relief.

It was an old comfort room.

Goosebumps filled my body I didn’t know what I was doing but found myself sitting on the socalled “chair of comfort” Suddenly the bell rang.

Siesta was over.

And I didn’t know what happened next.

And I really don’t know what would happened if the bell didn’t ring.

‘Til now the puzzle is still a mystery.

A good companion when you’re thrown That’s why I keep it as my own A soul of every emotion And a sign of great affection How valuable is this for me Which no one could not ever see How important this person is To shed these precious tears

Mantra Sem. Karl Gabriel Perlas

Hey! You! Yes, you!

You, who are reading this.

Problem?

Anxieties?

Stress?

Depression?

Failure?

Break-up?

These all happen for a reason.

Not to break you, but make you.

It’ll be alright.

It will make you strong.

It will make you a better person.

It will make you know yourself more.

You fall? It’s okay.

Get up and fight.

Graphics from pinterest.ph

Krrr…..krrrr… just like the normal sound of a cellphone as if someone’s calling. But it is not the call that I have heard in my life. The call that I had heard was not of the usual sound it is the voice that can’t heard by a physical ears but a spiritual ears, which is the heart.

The mysterious call that I heard is the call and the voice that pushed me to enter in a different way of living than what I already had. When I was in elementary, I dreamt of becoming very good teacher. I was so much inspired by my teachers in our school, I always imitate what they were doing: writing on the board, reporting, asking for recitation, and especially writing on the lesson plan. I just kept on my mind that in the future I can be a good teacher. I saw myself on that dream firmly and I think no one can stop on it. I arranged my things nicely as I can. I provided table in our home just like what my teacher had in our room. I also provided folders like a record for my personal scores that I gained on my quizzes, assignments, performances, and projects.

One of the very special day of my life came and the mysterious call rang in my life. When I was in high school at Luis Palad National High School and I am in the Church for the Misa de Gallo and suddenly my relatives asked me: “What course do you want to take in college?” I answered an education course because being a teacher is my dream. She was shocked to my answer because she taught that I am going to take the priestly vocation. That voice of my tita echoed in my mind to that whole hour of the Holy Mass, I thought that this voice was the only content of my heart. I pondered it so much and I thought of it deeply. I prayed to God to make it clear things clear to me.

I began to find an answer I kept on my mind that it’s not an ordinary question or idea, there it must be clear and there is a hidden mystery that need to be uncovered. I prayed to God: “Lord, help me to decide. I’ll do your will”.

There came a point that I challenged myself to go to Church every day and attend the Holy Mass every 6 in the morning. This is the only thing I knew to uncover the mysterious call that I had heard. But I am forced to freely uncover it. That failure didn’t serve as hindrance but served as an inspiration because I encountered different kind of persons inspired me.

So here I am today, answering that call and off to answer and uncover the mysteries of this call day-by-day. I am glad that I am able to pick up that call and chose to stay in this vocation every single day.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

10

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Formation Year in Snaps

BULLETIN Flos Carmeli

Academic Achievers 4th Quarter Achievers

Grade 7:

Dwight Anthony Alegre (With Honors) Paul Benedict Baloloy Daniel Ethan Queddeng Allen Jerrome Tolete

Grade 8: Alfredo Luis Sardea (Achiever) With Honors: Earl Gionne Caig Graydon Darryl Calucin Erwin Cambal, Jr. Marwin Sarius Capistrano Miguel Hilario Jose Louis Libiano Michael Evan Mergenio

Grade 9: With Honors: Dencer Canela Keith Czimonne Anderson ciceron Neo Joseph Mckale Garcia Gian Elson Paulus Gondra John Paul Kasilag Jomarthy Obena Francis Dominic Tiu

Grade 10: Achiever- Andrei Rasheed Mallari With honors: Lance Marion Tan Jaime Pastrana Rowan Atkin Villaruel

Grade 11: With Honors: Ivan Aro Daniel Alfonso de la cruz Earl Cedric fatalla John Vincent lacerna John Bernard loayon Patrick Marquez Harley David oliva Matthew Angelo Naling Marion Alexander ranillo Charles Andrew Ravele Jed Mathew Reyes John Dale Sayson Kim Soliven Karl Laurence trimillos With High Honors: Aristotelis Gabriel Gambala, Christian Laurenaria, Karl Gabriel Perlas Patrick Louis Rodillas

Grade 12: Sebastian Delfin Robin Pergis Xymone Phoenix Prieto

Academic Year 2019-2020 Academic Achievers Grade 7: With Honors: Paul Benedict Baloloy Daniel Ethan Queddeng Allen Jerrome Tolete

Grade 8: With Honors: Earl Gionne Caig Marwin Sarius Capistrano Miguel Hilario Jose Louis Libiano Michael Evan Mergenio

Grade 9: With Honors: Keith Czimonne Anderson Ciceron Neo Joseph Mckale Garcia Gian Elson Paulus Gondra Jomarthy Obena

Grade 10:

With honors: Jaime Pastrana Rowan Atkin Villaruel

Grade 11:

With Honors: Ivan Aro Aristotelis Gabriel Gambala John Bernard Loayon Christian Laurenaria Patrick Marquez Mathew Angelo Naling Karl Gabriel Perlas Charles Andrew Ravele Jed Matthew Reyes Patrick Louis Rodillas John Dale Sayson Kim Soliven Karl Laurence Trimillos

Grade 12:

With Honors: Robin Pergis

CARMELIAN EXPERIENCE. Seminarians held different activities in this formation year (Top row L to R: Foundation Day Celebration, National Book Week Celebration, English Fest; Bottom Row L to R: Lakan ng Wika, Rector’s Day, Teacher’s Day)

A Christmas Twist

Sem. Brian Elinard Torno and Sem. Keith Czimonne Anderson Ciceron

This comics was among the entries in Comics Making Category during the 2018 Library and Book Month Celebration. The mechanics of the contest explains that contents of comics will be taken from the stories in the Bible but must come with a funny twist.

Diocese of Lucena

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary Brgy. Tumbaga I, Sariaya, Quezon

Formation Year

2020-2021

Schedule June 1

Start of Online Enrolment

August 24

Opening of Formation Year 2020-20221

Junior High School Seminary Formation at Home & Distance Learning (Modular Instruction)

January 3, 2021 Arrival of Junior High School Regular Seminary Formation

Senior High School Regular Seminary Formation

The seminary is in compliance with the government & DepEd Safety Standards & Protocols Junior High School Schedule may change depending on the improvement of our Country’s Health Situation.

For inquiries, please contact: Office of the Seminary Registrar (042) 535 8580 / 09088102837

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Flashforward:

Down the Memory Lane with the Formators

P

Ms. Mara Angeli Cadiz

eople aspire for dreams and have envisioned future catered to our dreams. There are times that we stumble in the middle of our journeys to actualize what we aspire for. There are times that we are discouraged to keep moving forward. But let us be reminded that we should keep ourselves empowered and fuelled by those dreams. We’re like clay and we can mold ourselves into what we’re aspire for.

Our formators are our seminarian brothers’ guides towards their priestly vocation. But, have you ever wondered how they were back during their seminarian days? Let’s go back to the memory lane with our priest formators.

MINOR SEMINARIAN DESCRIPTION Average student. Beadle.

MOST MEMORABLE MINOR SEMINARIAN MOMENT

The very first visit of his mother during his minor seminary days. He recounted the memory as if it was in a slow motion. The moment he saw his mother during the first minor seminary visit was priceless. Being away from family was not easy for Fr. Edwin since he came from a very family-oriented upbringing.

The minor seminary presented lots of opportunities to try different things like joining a singing contest for the first time, acting, and many more which he truly enjoyed and remembered. These became avenues to recreate the familial feeling inside the seminary.

11

FEATURES Flos Carmeli

HIS FATHERLY ADVICE

Your Average Guy

In the minor seminary, obedience is indeed the key. You have to allow oneself to be part of the drill and obey the seminary rules and regulations because they are geared towards your formation leading you in a stronger priestly vocation.

Despite the trials that he faced during his minor seminarian days such as financial problems and being away with your family, he turned himself to his Marian devotion. Through this, he was able to withstand the tests of time. He felt that Mama Mary guides him through every step of the way to what he is now. His Marian devotion became his sanctuary during those dark days and he would also advice the same to minor seminarians of today.

ALTER EGO LIFE (If you’re not a priest formator, what would be your profession?): Mariner.

MINOR SEMINARIAN DESCRIPTION Silent-type. Associate Editor of Flos Carmeli

MOST MEMORABLE MINOR SEMINARIAN MOMENT

The HappyGo-Lucky

As today, they were provided of almost everything. Life becomes way easier. He missed his minor seminarian days when life was more challenging. During his minor seminarian days, they had to get water from a far away faucet just to provide ample water for bathing and cleaning. You had to fit a single pail of water for your bathing and brushing of your teeth.

Everyday routines were hard and strict but it was where he found his family inside the seminary. Though it was challenging to blend in, they were so fond of each other and happy for the little things. The simple chores that they shared together along with his minor seminarian brothers were simply memorable and will forever be cherished.

HIS FATHERLY ADVICE

Three things: be true to oneself, don’t be pretentious and be obedient. Those are the things that a minor seminarian must embody in order to surpass the trials of being a minor seminarian.

ALTER EGO LIFE (If you’re not a priest formator, what would be your profession?): Ship Captain or Pilot

Slick and Silent

MINOR SEMINARIAN DESCRIPTION Typical minor seminarian. Usual soundboard guy.

MOST MEMORABLE MINOR SEMINARIAN MOMENT

Graduation Day. It was very important for him to make his parents proud during that day. Not that he was academically at his best, but it was more of the will to finish what he had started that made that day so memorable. The days during the minor seminary times were not so easy. He even had to face demise of two of his siblings along the process. Graduation day seemed like a saving grace and an opportunity for him to put back smiles in his parents’ faces.

HIS FATHERLY ADVICE

“Be faithful to your chosen vocation” . If you commit oneself to the vocation you chose, either it is singlehood, married life, or the priestly vocation, being faithful can never let you go wrong. It is the way through which one seminarian can stand against the tests of time. Beyond the minor seminary days, there shall be harder challenges to come.

There are instances that you’ll falter, but your faith to your chosen vocation will always uplift your spirits high.

Hey Mr. DJ

ALTER EGO LIFE (If you’re not a priest formator, what would be your profession?): Electrical Engineer

MINOR SEMINARIAN DESCRIPTION Silent and mysterious. Grade 10 (4th year HS) Class president

MOST MEMORABLE MINOR SEMINARIAN MOMENT

1995 World Youth Day. He was in so much awe that he was able to come up close and personal with Pope John Paul II (now St. Pope John Paul II). Most of the people during the 1995 World Youth Day were not able to have that opportunity to be that close and he was among the few who got lucky.

HIS FATHERLY ADVICE

He had struggles back when he was a minor seminarian because most people believed that he was always hiding something or he was just perceived as mysterious. So he suggesed that it is very important to always be good. More than the amazing academic performance, you can never go wrong with channeling the goodness in you and maintaining your pleasing personality and positive attitude intact.

ALTER EGO LIFE (If you’re not a priest formator, what would be your profession?): Veterinarian or Doctor

Our priest formators have been our guiding light in steering Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary towards its plight to continually form and hone brothers towards their journeys in the priestly vocation. They have achieved much and have gained a lot of experiences to be able to guide our brothers through.

Man of Mystery But let us also keep in mind that they were once like our minor seminarian brothers who used to struggle academically, financially, emotionally, and most especially, spiritually just to become among the ranks of our priests and religious educators. That through obedience, goodness, and perseverance, they were able to fortify their faith and

MINOR SEMINARIAN DESCRIPTION chill and relaxed. “angelic voice”

MOST MEMORABLE MINOR SEMINARIAN MOMENT Being away from the family is one of the challenges of becoming a minor seminarian. But among the best things about being one is having a second family among your brothers and formators as well.

He wasn’t the best student among the class. He even struggled academically because he tended to enjoy the minor seminary experience as a whole: the camaraderie among the brothers most specially. He recounted that his most memorable minor seminarian moments were the jam nights among the brothers and their tight relationships with each and everyone.

HIS FATHERLY ADVICE

One must hold tight for his love for the Word of God and obedience is also vital in doing such. You can follow the example set by Mary.

Strong Marian devotion teaches one to be obedient and abide by what God has planned for you. No matter how hard challenges as a minor seminarian and even beyond it, you can surpass them all if you keep yourself grounded by your faith and devotion. “Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you”.

-Deuteronomy 31:6

ALTER EGO LIFE

(If you’re not a priest formator, what would be your profession?): College professor or entrepreneur

devotion.

Today, they are our priest formators but they also went through the same routine, similar dilemmas back in the days that they were minor seminarians. Let their flashbacks enlighten you, our minor seminarian brothers of today, that you too can make that priestly dream, a reality.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Quezon’s 12 Hidden Paradise TA L E

OF

THE

FEATURES

Sem. Marion Alexander Ranillo

L

Flos Carmeli

ooking for some place to go this summer? These are the words that you commonly encountered in the month of March because summer is coming close and most of the seminarians are planning for their outing, a takeaway from the school year-round stay in the seminary.

Pinoy Bioplastic:

Towards a Better World

Some usually look overseas for their summer adventure and others even explore other island escapades here in the Philippines. But honestly, we need not to go far just to have that island experience of a lifetime.

Most of the Philippine islands are crowded of tourists and are too commercialized. If you are looking to sight a virgin island and if you are searching for serenity this summer, Alibijaban Island is one of the up and coming island adventures today. It’s a white beach with an extra-ordinary beauty.

It is a small island located off the southern coast of Bondoc Peninsula belonging to the municipality of San Andres, Quezon. It is actually easier for us here in Metro Quezon to reach the virgin island of Alibijaban. Simply put, all you have to do is to go to SM City Lucena where van terminals are situated. There are also van bound to San Andres at the Grand Central Terminal. As you go to the one going to San Andres, all you need to do is book a boat off to Alibijaban. If

Sem. Jomarthy Obena

T

he world has changed a lot over the years. For some time, ice caps continuously melting, viruses spreading, wildfires suddenly appearing, global temperature arising, weather abruptly changing, and sadly, we are all caught off guard. However, these changes can also be alleviated by our little efforts as humans.

Ecological restorations and campaigns to care for the environment are over the globe. But these efforts were not enough if we are not to change our consumption and ways of more ecological and environmentallyfriendly means of doing so.

A simple initiative was incepted by a Cebuano, Denxybel Montinola.

Montinola, who’s 23 years old and an Applied Physics graduate of the University of San Carlos (USC), came up with this idea of a Cebuano-inspired bioplastic. The bioplastic is featuring Cebu’s prime product, mango. It is made out of mango peelings and seaweed. He shared that this bioplastic is more robust and flexible than any invented plastic. And the best thing about it, it is biodegradable; hence, plastic consumption would be more environmental-friendly. Since it is made of biodegradable raw materials, it will dissolve in water and will not release toxic chemicals. Thus, it will do no harm to our environment.

Why mango peel and seaweed?

Montinola further added that the Philippines is said to be the leading supporter of mango and seaweed that’s why he just thought of maximizing the abundance of these two. With this, we can push for a healthier environment and promotion of Philippine prime products at the same time.

In a world, where lots of pollution have been created by humans, this kind of creation by our fellow Filipino is something we can certainly be proud of. This kind of invention is what we need to sustain and maintain the environment. It still feels good that people are also striving and doing their best to help and lessen the pain of Mother Earth.

TRIP

TikTok

QUEZON’S TREASURE UNCOVERED. A perfect place for adventurers and travellers, white sandy beaches and rich bird life can be found here in Alibijaban for a perfect getaway.

Photo from allevents.in, choosephilippines.com, mytravel.ph

APP

TikTok TikTok

STREAM

to Beat the Quarantine Boredom

Sem. Miguel Hilario

W

hen the Luzon-wide quarantine was implemented, people were barred from their physical social interactions. Thence so, most have turned theirselves into the social media realm to beat the boredom. Among the trends making tides is TikTok. Tiktok is a video social networking site where people can follow others, make use of fun filters and music backgrounds, and view videos shared by various individuals. Historically, it was launched in 2017 by ByteDance.

Famous personalities, celebrities, couples and even commoners came flooding the net with their unusual pambahay feels dancing their crazies out.

Some videos likewise featured lip syncing of famous movie lines. But even before the lockdown, TikTok had already been making names in becoming the household

name for entertainment and free spirits.

Viewers and video makers alike had fun with their TikTok experience.

But more than just a viral sensation, TikTok has surpassed its mission beyond just providing entertainment over the globe. With the recent happening that had been hurdling the medical and economic scene, TikTok volunteered to partner with the World Health Organization (WHO).

It even pledged $ 10 million to WHO for their COVID19 response efforts. TikTok also streams awareness infomercials about the pandemic.

People of all ages are now part of the TikTok community and it is blissful to think that TikTok is more than just a worldwide trend. So it’s good to say that as we dance along and share our silly sides with TikTok, we are likewise taking a part to ease and lift up spirits for this pandemic --- making more happiness and lessening the sadness. (and burning the boredom as well) :)

SAINT

Photo from abante.com

S TO RY

The Greatest Pope Sem. John Bernard Loayon

I

am a bishop for you but I am Christian with you.”

Photo from wikipedia.com

you’re from NCR, you can visit the island by a bus ride to Lucena and then the same routine goes.

Alibijaban is known for its beautiful and pristine mangrove forest and coral reefs. People visited Alibijaban for its white sandy beaches and rich bird life.

And if you love birds and nature tripping or if you are just a beach bum, Alibijaban is perfect for you. Its mangrove forest which covers proximately 140 hectares (350 acres) of the island’s central in northern portions is protected under the National Integrated Protection Areas System. Alibijaban has some of the most undisturbed mangrove wilderness in the Philippines. It is home to at least 22 mangrove species, 19 species of birds including the Tabon, scrubfow, white collared kingfisher, jungle crow, black nupea oriole, island collared dove, black crowned night heron, common snipie and many others.

Since it is less commercialized as compared to other Philippine islands, you can just bring a tent and enjoy the tranquility in the island. The trip is quite budget-friendly as compared to other island getaways. So let us beat the heat, come and let’s uncover Quezon’s hidden paradise --- Alibijaban Island! Indeed, it’s more fun in the Philippines but let us likewise remember, Pilipinas, Quezon naman :D

Sometimes, it reminds the role of Christ for the salvation of mankind. He turns to upside down the society which makes him humble. Even though Christ is the king, He served mankind as a shepherd and a poor man. With his simple and caring personality, people follow him and meditate with his words.

“Totus Tuus” Pope John Paul II said that we must served God the way that Mary did. St. John Paul II was devoted

to the Blesssed Virgin Mary. The “Totus Tuus” was his episcopal motto. It is an honor to the Virgin Mary. The “Totus Tuus” was inspired by the teaching of St. Loise de Monfort. These are words of sentences in which the saint expressed his will to belong entirely to Jesus through the medium of the Virgin Mary: I am all yours, and and all that I have belongs to you, O most loving Jesus, through Mary, your most Holy Mother”. The saint’s strong Marian devotion has influenced the world.

St. John Paul II was the first non-

Italian Pope in more than 400 years. He traveled the world, visiting more than 100 countries to proclaim the word of God and spread the importance of peace in our lives. He was an advocate for human rigths and used his influence to effect political change.

The potiff often spoke out about suffering and human rights over the world.

He had strong positions on many topics, including his immense opposition to capital change and he was credited with the fall of communism in Poland. He was not without critics.

St. John Paul II is well-known to our eyes, especially to us, Filipinos. He touches our hearts with his love and care.

And he deeply shares the word of God by the participating on activities like the World Youth Day. He even met an assasination attempt on May 13, 1981

by Ali Agca. He took his shooting to have been a grace, because through his suffering he had been permitted to testify Christ and to evangelize to the world. He believed that Virgin Mary saved him from assasination.

The people’s pontiff now ranks among the holy men and women as saints. Let us be reminded of his humble examples that no matter how hard it is to preach and practice the word of God, let us strive to become instruments of God’s blessing. Let us become embodiments of the Marian devotion and follow the examples of the complete surrender to God’s will that Virgin Mary and St. John Paul II had shown.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

13 Reimagined

ON

SPOTLIGHT

Actus Academicus

Actus Academicus VII: Misfit The play started when an optimistic guy, Allen, went out to meet a girl. While on his way, an accident happened. Allen was hit by a truck and unfortunately, he died. The driver of the truck decided to just leave behind the lifeless body.

Allen tried to fit in. He befriended the angels, but they seemed to despise him. There were series of instances that gradually made the other angels despise him more. With accumulating grievances, these angels even complained to San Pedro about Allen’s annoying presence.

Suddenly, the messenger came and told everyone that the man who accidentally killed Allen was waiting at door and God wanted to ask Allen if he would allow this man to enter heaven.

God posed a challenge to Allen as he was to decide whether he or the man who killed him will stay in the heavens. San Pedro explained that the man regretted his action that made him sick and resulted to his death. Allen said that if it would not be possible for the man to enter heaven then he would just choose to leave heaven and give the place to the man. San Pedro was saddened by Allen’s decision. While Allen, took his leave, God congratulated him and said that he passed the tests. As with the other angels, they apologized for their mistakes to God and to Allen. For the misfit, even though he was different from the other angels, Allen proved that he was worthy to be one.

The story of Misfit characterized a scenario where one can be the odd one out. But in the end, what can always make one stand better than the others is to become genuinely good. No matter how others hate you or despise your presence, if you continually do good and be yourself, one can never go wrong. There will come a time that your intentions will be revealed. That is why, it is vital to always stick to righteousness. It’s also a story of forgiveness and giving chances that despite what the man did to Allen, he still found his way to forgive this man making him truly deserving to rank among the angels.

Actus Academicus VIII: The Law

Actus Academicus X: The Sin Chair

The play started with the scene of Marwin, grandfather with his grandsons Jolo and Aaron. They saw four boys: Miguel, Andrei, Nathan, and Erwin who were experiencing different problems.

In the end, Tata Marwin shared his wisdom that whenever people were hurting, there is someone who is hurting more than they are experiencing. However, it is through prayer that people and things get better.

The play ended with the church scene and a mass was being held.

The priest, Fr. Michael, stressed the importance of obeying and adhering to the laws of God for it is a way on how we can praise God. The story was a constant reminder that we must never neglect the value of obeying and abiding by the Ten Commandments set by God. Most of us forget to relive this in our daily lives because of the sufferings we face day by day. But, no matter how intense our sufferings are, we must continually live in prayer.

Though it is hard to constantly follow the Commandments, we must pray more intensely and genuinely for ourselves and for other people who live disregarding the value of the Ten Commandments. Our obedience too, is a complete reflection of our love of God and how we can be better models to other beings as well.

They started as the people pondered on Matthew 20: 20-28. They asked Jesus who has the right to sit on the side of Him. The following scenes were images of the chair and the power attributed with it. Dictators over the history such as Nero, Pharaoh, Hitler, and Ferdinand Marcos who use the imagery of chair and power were presented.

The second to the last scene was a rewind back again to Matthew 20: 20-28 but in this scene Jesus explained the importance of power and the chair. The last scene was a Eucharistic celebration wherein a priest exclaimed the importance of power.

Actus Academicus X implicated the importance of power and how it is played by individuals. Most politicians and dictators hold their “chairs” as an emblem of power to rule over people.

There were instances that they too become overwhelmed by this hold to power and exercise their powers over others. But that is not the real essence of power as Jesus had shown in His examples. Priests sit in “chairs” as well but they’re accountable to use that privilege and power to guide God’s flock and children not as avenues for dominion. With this hold of power, we are reminded that we must use it to good purposes and not abuse it just to impose our dominion over others.

Actus Academicus IX: The Gift This was a story of a young boy who wished to give little gifts in his little ways. Niño was at the hospital and was gravely ill. He had accepted his situation and was ready to face his fate. His father saw a letter hidden on the bed of Niño, and as he read, he realized that his son wanted to spend the remaining days of his life doing things he liked and and if only he could go out the hospital to do these things. At first, the father thought of disagreeing because of his son’s condition, but knowing that it would make his son happy, he gave in.

Niño was glad to see the world once again. He spent his last days extending help and prayers to the needy.

He offered prayers for those who are imprisoned, fed the hungry, and clothed a young boy. He went back to the hospital with his body worn out doing all those kind deeds.

It was the last day that he would be with his son. The father expressed how much he loved his son, and grateful he was to have an unselfish child that even on his last day he was able to share his life to others who needed love and care.

The father realized that Niño did not only gave gifts to those people, but for him, his son was his greatest gift.

This story was a portrayal of the seven corporal works of mercy which one can make and share, big or small, to other people regardless of one’s condition. Niño, even in his dying days, showed that he too can be of help no matter how hard it was due to his medical condition.

We are humans and our nature is to coexist with cooperation and responsibility over our fellows. This too is a reminder that everybody could be of help to everyone who needed our helping hands. In our little means, we can extend our kindness to everyone.

Actus Academicus XI: An Uncertain Return In the middle of summer vacation, four seminarians face struggles challenging their priestly vocation. They are asking to themselves if they’re going to stay in the vocation or not.

Two of the seminarians battle with their familial issues. One struggles with the comforts of his partygoing life and the last one was tested by the demon in his spiritual dryness. In the end, through their constant prayer and with the virtues set as example

by St. John Vianney, these seminarians found their way back into a stronger faith in continuing their priestly vocation.

This depiction of the internal

struggles of a seminarian indeed happens in reality. Before one can move into becoming a priest, he face a lot of challenges making one think twice to stay or not.

The challenge to stay and to grow in faith into the priestly vocation is a struggle that each seminarian faces. But no matter how hard it is, it will be done if one has strong ties of devotion and prayer. This also shows the importance of familial support in becoming a seminarian. The challenge does not only lies within and among the seminarians but also in their families. But no matter the uncertainties are, it is still

with the Lord that we can found our way back to our vocation.

Aside from prayer, there are two more important factors for a seminarian to have a healthy vocation to the priesthood and gain proper formation. Spiritual direction in which one can be guided by his spiritual director to what is going on during his seminary life. The second one is having good and healthy relationship with his brother seminarians because they are the one who can really understand what’s happening to each other because they are leaving in the same community where they are formed and nurtured.

Actus Academicus XII: The Big Argument The story’s focal point is about the philosophy of God’s existence. There are 4 philosophers featured in the Actus XII: Friedrich Nietzche, Ludwig Feuerback, Rene Descartes and St. Thomas Aquinas .

The setting of the story was in a museum where Jerwin Cabanas, a caretaker took the philosophical tablet and the four statues of began to move. Jerwin was puzzled because of the four philosophers who were arguing about the existence of God. They said we humans can be a God on our might since we’re the only who can control all creatures. There is no superior being. Two other philosophers Rene Descartes and St. Thomas Aquinas countered favoring the existence of God. They said that all of the living things on the

universe was made only by God and our life belongs to God. They pointed out that we humans cannot attain God’s knowledge and omniscience because our mind has only limited capacity.

In the end, another philosopher Epicurus emphasized that the existence of God is hard to tackle and discuss but we all know that there is only one God, who loves, cares and protects. He added that God is eternal and that all of the sufferings of the people was not made by God rather it is upon us and on how are we going to handle it.

It’s always been a puzzle for mankind about the concrete answers to God’s existence. But it’s where faith with the teachings of the Church comes along.

If we seek for answers, the teachings of the Church are there to give us viable resolutions. We are created by God in His likeness and we must not aspire to become equal or superior to Him. We need not to have a scientific explanation of how things happened for man to exist or the answers for mysteries of man’s knowledge and intellect.

We just need to know the philosophy of what we believe in.

Aside from this, the Actus XII showed the reality that people really do have different views about God’s existence. Some people will force what they believe in. It’s a matter of respecting the difference. Likewise, no matter how different our religious views with others, the most essential thing is the faith that you hold on to.

FEATURES Flos Carmeli

MUSIC AND LY R I C S

Pinagtagpo ngunit hindi itinadhana Sem. John Bernard Loayon

O

ne time while I was passing by one of the streets in Lucena, I happened to hear this song. Like in every corner, the song was being played. Hearing the song, I couldn’t move on from it. It was like it got stuck in my head and was on repeat until I reached home. It was certainly an LSS. I checked it out on Youtube and found out the song was entitled “Imahe” a song by the band Magnus Haven and has reached millions of views. Although this one’s a trend nowadays, its meaning is indeed a heartbreaking one.

One can easily relate with the song for it has catchy and striking lines which perhaps most of the youth today are experiencing. “Pinagtagpo ngunit hindi tinadhana”, such a painful line, isn’t it?

Every time I heard this line it brings me to the realization that some things are just not permanent; that some things are temporary even those whom we never thought of losing. I don’t get it why people are so drawn with the concept of “forever”, like “forever” is something that is too good to be true. That is why it is really heartbreaking when in the end “pinagtagpo” but eventually “hindi itinadhana”.

Reality is, there will always be someone who will come into our life who will not stay, but will only teach us to be strong and become better versions of ourselves. When we love, we should have a safety net that we should know this and should always be ready for this.

Seminarians can also relate to this song. “Pinagtagpo ngunit hindi Itinadhana” likewise many are called but few are chosen. This resembles those who tried their best but did not make it until the end of the journey.

Truly, priestly vocation is not meant for everyone. Sometimes, no matter how bad we want to be a seminarian and be a priest, it God doesn’t want us to be one, then it is not going to be our fate.

There are things that God will not permit to happen, either it is not meant for us or He has a better plan than ours. As the saying goes, if there’s a will, there’s a way, and surely if it is God’s will, He will provide with His love and grace.

We just need to trust Him and His ways. Indeed, to become a priest is too difficult to achieve and it entails great perseverance and requires long process to be endured.

Aside from these tales of heartaches, I still believe that seminarians are destined to love and serve God. We are called to serve with all our hearts. We may not meet our forever, but I know for sure that with God, nothing is impossible and so does forever.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

14

DEVCOM Flos Carmeli

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Embracing the New Normal E

COMMUNITY

ach one of us are somehow affected by the pandemic brought by COVID-19.

It was clearly evident with the community quarantines that we experienced lately. We used to be boxed in a fast-paced world where every one is busy to juggle schedules for work or studies.

Most people are gauged so much in their social lives and as social beings, we tend to look forward for gatherings, for travel, for leisure. We were not used to just being confined in the four corners of our houses being stuck at nowhere to go. But that was the best thing one can contribute in this pandemic: not to become a carrier.

And the primary responsibility in order to do that is to stay at home and go social distancing.

More than the personal changes that took place recently, this pandemic had revealed social and political fractures. Our health care system is clearly not ready for these kind of health crisis. But, looking at a global standpoint, every country hurdled hard with COVID-19. Whether it is a laboratory-made biowarfare or not, global cooperation among nations would be of so much help. This is not the time to conquer seas nor use this opportunity to amplify little nations’ helplessness. This pandemic can be tagged as the third world war but the battle is not with guns and cannons but with an unseen virus.

It’s just so saddening that medical professionals had been losing lives and bringing danger to their families just to save the multitude. They had been the collateral damage for faulty governmental measures. They had been told that they were just “plain complaining” and some of them were even shunned by people in their communities because of their exposures. But these people had become our first line of defense.

Over thousands of people fell for this pandemic and we are far from flattening the curve, this data should be revisited by the health department and government heads alike. We fall short of preparedness and yes, we are caught off guard. This comes the relevance of mass testing: to know the infected, to isolate them, to trace the people they

Year of the Youth: Sem. Karl Gabriel Perlas

D

r. Jose Rizal once said “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa at kinabukasan ng bayan.” A question and a challenge that reminds many young people to persevere for the future. To work in order to change the upcoming years, but does the young really the “future”? Or are they the present and now of our society and the Church?

As a part of preparation for the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in our country, CBCP made the year 2019 as a Year of the Youth with the theme: “Filipino youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted and Empowered.”

Many young of today are bombarded with so many tasks and matters. Many are preoccupied with their works, and some are experiencing anxieties and depressions. Others feel that they are isolated and many think that

they don’t have roles in the important part of society and the Church which they belong. But the Year of the Youth poses three reminders for the youth which can really affect their perspectives in life.

Beloved.

Many of today’s youth generation are experiencing brokenness. It can be from family, friends, loved ones, and the people around them. Many feel that they are alone and no one is true to them in times of problems and down moments.

The first characteristic of the youth is being beloved. No matter what we think of ourselves and whatever others think of us. It should be clear to everyone that there will always be the lost one who will love to the fullest even everyone tries to leave. Love cause us brokenness, and the only thing that will complete and will makes whole again is love also. And now it is clear that we are still loved despite

EDITORIAL

of many trials. Because we are loved and being loved we can be an instrument of great love to others.

Make them feel that they are also loved. Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and those imprisoned, and bury the dead. By these simple acts of love, we can be a way of giving God’s love for bringing them more closely to Him. When love is shared, the world starts to become a better place.

Gifted.

Failures, disappointments, weakness, judgments, worthless: these things make the youth today to lose their confidence in themselves. They are blinded not to show their abilities and capabilities.

We are all created equally yet uniquely. Each one of us has given different talents and capacity. Sometimes, we are look on ourselves worthless and

have encountered and to have them treated.

The government claims that we are on top of this matter. Sugarcoating the realities for the Filipino people would not do good to the very people that would be put into harm. Humility to admit the shortcomings and being open to positive insights to alleviate the problem is what’s necessary. The Filipino mind is very creative. We even came up with our own testing kits that are less costly and more efficient. We don’t even know if we can come up of own vaccine. But those scientific creations are useless if the authorities would not support its development and improvement.

Long before this pandemic, Filipino scientists had great ideas and inventions but they don’t have the support they needed from the government. Research had even been tagged by one of the country’s prime senators to seem useless and waste of money. But in reality, scientific research and development should is a vital part of society that should be upheld.

The common Juan de la Cruz would fall into fake news. Well, who wouldn’t with the government’s ever-changing stance on matters?

Most politicians throw blame at each other’s faces, securing a clean slate for themselves. But they must remember that they’re not politicians, they are public servants, aren’t they?

As the community quarantines eases from ECQ to GCQ, people are easing back in motion to resemble and rebuild their old normal. But we need to understand that we’re easing community quarantines not because it’s safe already; rather, it’s because our economy is now the one who’s ailing.

We have no choice but to embrace the new normal and to learn to live in it.

Since we are far from having the vaccine or the right medicine that can be afforded by each and everyone, we have no panacea to this but a fortified immune system. If this pandemic had brought worst, it likewise brought self health awareness. Such that of proper handwashing, constant sanitation, and prioritizing our health and wellness are just some of the good things this pandemic had given humanity. These are just some of the measures that we need to constantly do in order to keep ourselves and our families safe.

The battle lives on. Stay home as possible so as to stay safe. As the President wishes, may we be able to conquer Death in our own cursing ways. And by the day that we’re able to get through this, may we never forget the health and scientific lessons that we learned from COVID-19. May we use them as learning blocks to step up with and may become stronger than ever, fortified by the sacrifice made by those who are fallen and wiser than we are to tell apart what’s right from wrong, to discern the priority.

In Retrospect nothing. Many are born blind but good in music, many are born deaf but good in arts, many are born complete but don’t possess what others can do. There was a story of man who was born without arms and hands. He got bullied and made fun because of his disabilities. Sometimes he got jealous of his classmates because they can eat, write and draw with their hands.

But the good thing about him is that, instead of being down because of those judgments, he use it as an inspiration for him to discover his abilities and talents, and to be more. Despite of being disabled, he can draw using his feet like a professional artist who uses their hands.

Who would imagine for the young to find talent and capability given by God, to cultivate what they possessed, and to inspire others…we must keep in mind that youth are gifted. They are the ones who can do something, something that is extraordinary, something that can change

the world, something what the Church needs. Youth are called to serve through their talents.

Empowered.

Because youth are already beloved and gifted, we become empowered.

We are given the power to make a difference and to make a change. Let us be reminded that the third characteristic of the youth reminds us that we have roles and responsibilities to the community where we belong to. Spiderman once said,” Great powers comes great responsibilities”. Youth are given the voice of the present --- a voice which is so powerful, a voice that calls for change and voice that comes from deepest part of their hearts.

A writer once said “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” Youth can be also be a leader today in their own little ways.

OLMCS version 2.0 Sem. Michael Evan Mergenio

S

ANGKAN Senior High had been an opportunity to give the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary a revamp. As we welcomed our seminary guests over the nation, the OLMCS management headed

by Rev. Fr. Edwin O. Panergo has been able to match up the event with series of constructions underway.

Renovated Facilities

With the help of some handymen and laborers, the comfort rooms in the seminary were sufficient for the needs of our large SANGKAN Senior High audience.

As part of the renovation, two old non-functioning bathrooms (one is in the second floor of the seminary and the other one is behind the kitchen) had come to life again. To date, there are more than thirty (30) new toilet cubicles that has been constructed and renovated.

This renovation helped a lot in catering the need of almost 800 SANGKAN Senior High delegates over the nation.

Reconstructed Gym ni Carding

Also among the renovated facilities is the reconstruction of the 50-year old seminary gymnasium, now tagged as Gym ni Carding, in commemoration of Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

During the SANGKAN, the walls and the benches were renovated as the opening night and social night were both held there. As of the date, the construction is almost through with the repair of the stage and the renovation is off to the roof replacement.

Currently, a sponsorship drive from the alumni for the Gym ni Carding project is ongoing. Restrooms and the interior of the gymnasium are up next in the upgrade.

Restored Altarpiece Mural

The restoration of the altarpiece mural was accomplished by awardwinning artists and professional restorers, Maria Pureza Escaño and Alexander Calceta.

To note, any artwork which has been

exposed to sun and air for more than 50 years is expected to collect both natural and man-made damages. The altarpiece mural of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary, since it was installed at the OLMCS chapel in the 1950s has received its fair share of impairments.

The mural was needed to removed from the walls but because of the wood deterioration, the process required the professional expertise of Architect Michael Piopongco who also handled the reinstallation project.

A new wooden stretcher and back panel was installed to further support the mural. White acryclic was also applied to prevent the acid from the wood in getting in the painting. Series of cleaning was also done to the mural, as well as repairs of holes and tears. To note, there was a deep scratch at the midsection of Baby Jesus.

Archival adhesive was used to achieve this. Retouching and archival varnishing were also used to finalize the restoration process.

Now, a newly-restored image of the

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel can be seen as altarpiece mural. Indeed, a proof of how our seminary was able to stand the tests of time.

More than just for the purpose of SANGKAN Senior High, Bahay ni Maria had always been a propeller for improvement. For over many years, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary was able to breed young men towards the priestly vocation. Along with the thrives of time, there had been challenges and hardships.

But as of today, our home is still home to future religious men and leaders. Stronger as ever, we can see that we also keep on upgrading ourselves to continually meet the ever-changing needs of our minor seminarians.

Volume XX | Issue 1 June 2019 - April 2020

The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Sangkan X

Grade 10 aces multiple victories Rowan Atkin Villaruel

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rade 10 Batang Carmelos brought home multiple wins for the OLMCS as they prevailed as Volleyball Champion and Over-all Champion during the recently-concluded SANGKAN X held at St. Mary’s Seminary, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte last October 9 to 11, 2019.

Sem. Lance Marion Tan won the Games of the Generals acing the top spot for the indoor game. Sem. Jaime Pastrana landed first runner-up at Dama while Sem. Rowan Atkin Villaruel placed second runner-up for Scrabble.

Sem. Graydon Calucin, Sem. Keith Czimonne Anderson Ciceron and Sem. Jomarthy Obeña served as imports and Sem. John Dale Sayson acted as Assistant Coach. They may lack manpower but this also motivated the Volleyball team headed by captainball Sem. Lance Marion Tan to push the championship forward. Head Coach Mario Benitez remarked that the winning factor of the team was deeply rooted on “teamwork…self-confidence and discipline, as well as trust in each other”.

With their impressive performance in the indoor and outdoor games, the Grade 10 Batang Carmelos triumphed as the over-all champion for this year’s SANGKAN X.

SPORTS Flos Carmeli CARMELIAN COMMENTS What are your thoughts about the recent SANGKANs? Sangkan is a gathering where seminarians from each seminary have time to socialize and participate in sports. But it is also to enhance each and every one’s spiritual formation.

WINNING SMILES. Batang Carmelos in their joyous moment as they grabbed the Volleyball championship in SANGKAN X. Photo by Mrs. Arcenia Bravo-Tan

Batang Carmelos snag Volleyball bronze Sem. Christian Laurenaria

O

LMCS SHS Volleyball team fought with all their might pushing them to land at the third place during the SANGKAN SHS held last January 30, 2020 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon.

Winning the Volleyball match, Mary Help of Christians Seminary of Pangasinan proved their sports supremacy leaving St. John Paul II Minor Seminary of Antipolo on the second spot. Mary Help of Christians Seminary sealed the over-all champion while St. John Paul II Minor Seminary got the second runner-up in over-all standings.

Captain ball Sem. Jed Matthew Reyes shared that it’s been a whirlwind of mixed emotions that they only landed on the third place. It was bit of challenge and pressure that “the opportunity can be a home court advantage.” But apart from that, being the event organizer also divided their attention with their sports pegs and the goal to make a successful hosting and accommodation during the recentlyconcluded SANGKAN. During the SANGKAN itself, he remarked that “Ang nakikita ko sa mga seminarista mga pari, magulang at mga teaching at non-teaching personnel ay ang mga pagod na katawan subalit sa kabila ng mga pagod na ito ay hindi sila nagpadala sa pagod at patuloy silang gumagawa upang ma-accommodate ng maayos ang

bawat seminaryo sa community. Dito mo talaga makikita ang salitang unity, sa amin namang mga seniors ay nakaramdam ako na lumalaban kami na may puso sa aming mga nakakalaban. Sa bawat panahong ito ay nabubuhayan ang aming mga puso upang lumaban pa ng may lakas at puso upang ilabas ang paghihirap ng bawat isa at gayun din ang mga pag-eensayo namin.”

The game proper started with a winning streak for three consecutive games for the OLMCS SHS Volleyball team. But the day got unlucky during their fourth game making them settle for the third place. Sem. Reyes even furthered: “ako mismo ay napaiyak sa pagkatalo ngunit sa aming pagkatalo ay may mga narealize kami na dapat pinaghusayan pa namin sa pag-eensayo.” It was indeed a worthwhile learning experience for the team.

“Sa paghahangad na manalo ay nanaig pa rin ang pagsasamahan ng iba’t ibang seminarista na galing sa iba’t ibang seminaryo at kitang-kita sa kanilang mga mata na kakaibang saya ang nararanasan nila habang dinaraos ang SANGKAN.” At the end of the day, Batang Carmelos proved their sportsmanship. SANGKAN SHS proved that it is not only an event to show the seminary’s sports prowess but it’s an opportunity for learning and fortifying camaraderie and formation among minor seminarian brothers.

S P O RT S

T

he Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, was an American professional basketball player. Back the memory lane, Bryant entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) directly from high school, and played his entire 20- season professional career in the league with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant won many basketball competition.

To note, five NBA championships where he got 18 times all-Star, 15 times member of the All-NBA Team, 12- time NBA member of all Defensive Team, 2008 NBA MVP and 2 time NBA finals MVP winner.

He was widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary players in the history with accomplishments which is legendary.

But a sad happening took the life of the Black Mamba on January 25, 2020. A Lilorsky s-76B helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, around 30miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, in route from John Wayne Airport to Camarillo Airport. It was carrying Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter Gianna, and baseball coach John. Five other passengers and the pilot. All of them were killed because of the crash.

Kobe Bryant’s death shocked many of his fans all over the world, he was idolized by many basketball players and taken as their inspiration on growing and becoming a great basketball player .

Behind the legend is a really soft and kindhearted family man.

Bryant’s family was Catholic and he had always practiced the faith.

Sem. Dwight Alegre, Gr.7 Isang labanan ng mga seminarista mula sa iba’t-ibang parte ng Pilipinas at ito rin ay pagtititpon at pagkakakilala na kung saan nagkaroon ng komunikasyon ang bawat isang seminarista.

Sem. Seth Cass Alvarez, Gr. 7 As I experienced several SANGKANs, I assure you that this is not only about competing, winning or either fighting, it always reminds us that SANGKAN is the way to strengthen the bond of our brotherhood and especially our vocation.

Sem. Graydon Calucin, Gr. 8 It is very fascinating because all the seminarians were able to communicate and lighten up their spirits by means of making new friends and having fun all the time.

Sem. Jomarthy Obeña, Gr. 9

ONE MOTHER, ONE BROTHERHOOD. Seniors showed their sportsmanship and camaraderie among the seminarians during the SANGKAN SHS 2020.

Photo by Sem. Keith Czimonne Ciceron

It might not be a win-it-all story but it was a worthwhile experience for everyone especially senior high school brothers. “Nung mga oras na patapos na ang ginawang SANGKAN ay makikita ang halo-halong lunkot at saya sa kanilang mga mata, malungkot sapagkat yoon na ang huling SANGKAN ng bawat isang senior high sa lungkot ay may mga naiyak pa nga sa mga oras na iyon, saya sapagkat paulit-ulit nilang sinasabi na ang dami na nilang naattendan na SANGKAN ay ito ang pinakamasaya. Isa pa ay ngayon

ko lang naramdaman sa SANGKAN ang kakaibang brotherhood ng iba’t ibang seminarista, kaya naman naramdaman ko ang bunga ng pagtutulungan ng bawat seminarista, mga magulang, mga pari, mga teacher at non-teaching personnel. At isa pang nakakatataba ng puso ay ang walang sawa nilang pagpapasalamat kahit mga ilang araw nang tapos ang SANGKAN sapagkat sa kakaibang saya na naranasan.

Sa mga pasasalamat nila ay ‘don ko nalaman na hindi namin sila nabigo,” Sem. Jed Matthew Reyes exclaimed.

Mamba, in Memoriam Sem. Marwin Capistrano

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F E AT U R E

Even NBA Commission Adam Silver said in statement that “The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Crowds gathered at the Staples Center and other places around the world offered their empathy and condolences for Bryant’s family.

However, in the hearts of his fans, the Black Mamba will always live on. His legacy will not perish. This is even embodied in his popularized Mamba Mentality. It’s living a lifestyle on conquest for self-improvement. He himself said in most of his interviews that “It’s a constant quest to try to better today than you were yesterday.”

This Mamba Mentality catapulted Kobe Bryant to the ranks of the legends from his humble beginnings. His mindset is partnered with immense humility that whatever accomplishment you got: one should still keep his feet on the ground.

It is a mindset that each of us can also apply in our lives.

Becoming our best versions is more than just simply winning. By doing this, we can be our own Black Mamba and maybe one day, we can also rank among the legends in whatever paths we choose to be.

SANGKAN is a great event to socialize with other seminarians, formators, and teachers and to play with them with Christ within us.

Also to help our vocation to grow with other seminarians.

Sem. Lance Marion Tan, Gr. 10 SANGKAN is teaching us to be solid and it help us to grow in our vocation that we chose. We can also see the true spirit of brotherhood in each seminarian.

Sem. Jeric De los Reyes, G. 11 Masaya ang SANGKAN dahil nagkasamasama ang mga seminarista na nagmula sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa iisang dahilan na magiging ugat ng pagkakaisa.

Sem. Sebastian Delfin, Gr. 12 Sangkan is an experience that every seminarian will always treasure. Like, whether a team wins or loses, in the end it’s still a victory, victory to meet new brothers and be united in Christ. It’s just something worth remembering.

Ms. Rechelle Moron, Teacher My first thought about SANGKAN, it’s BONGGA! First time would always be the most memorable, that was my first year of teaching when we went to Maria Assumpta Seminary in Cabanatuan.

Ms. Shiela Alcantara, Teacher SANGKAN is an opportunity for minor seminarians to meet and spend time with other seminarians from other seminaries in order to pray and play with the purpose of establishing connections and deepening of brotherhood. It is also an occasion to strengthen vocation to the priesthood.

Rev. Fr. Edwin Panergo, Rector

Batang Carmelos snag Volleyball bronze

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Sports News

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What are your thoughts about the recent SANGKANs?

Senior High MEDAL TALLY INDOOR GAMES Table Tennis

Sports Feature

Sp rts Veritas nunquam perit NINE WINS NINE Grade 9 triumphs as SANGKAN 9 champs The Official Publication of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary, Sariaya, Quezon Region IV-A CALABARZON

Flos Carmeli

Carmelian Comments

SANGKAN

Mamba, in memoriam

Volume XX | Issue 1

June 2018 - April 2019

Sem. Paul Benedict Baloloy

Seminario De Jesus Nazareno (Borongan, Eastern Samar)

G

rade 9 seminarians triumphed as over-all champion in the recently-held SANGKAN 9 in Naga City last November 20, 2019.

Immaculate Conception Seminary (Bulacan) Oblates of St. Joseph Minor Seminary (Batangas)

SANGKAN was for the light of promoting the spirit of unity in serving God, having brotherhood and sharing good practices of minor seminary formation.

The opening day was commenced by a Holy Mass led by Rev. Rolando Octavus J. Tirona. A parade followed at the host seminary, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Minor Seminary.

The indoor games highlighted the opening night. Sem. Gian Elson Paulus D. Gondra landed second place in Scrabble.

While Sem. Jomarthy F. Obeña and Sem. Keith Czimone Anderson Ciceron had consistently reclaimed the top spot as they won their indoor games for three consecutive years.

Outdoor games heated up the second day of SANGKAN 9. OLMCS snagged the third place in Basketball. Nonetheless, Grade 9 students still managed to ace the participating seminaries and hailed as the Over-all Champion.

Chess Mary Help of Christians Seminary (Pangasinan) Mary Assumpta Seminary (Cabanatuan) Oblates of St. Joseph Minor Seminary (Batangas) Dama Sacred Heart Seminary (Leyte) St. John Paul II Minor Seminary (Antipolo) Mother of Good Council Seminary (Pampanga) Scrabble Oblates of St. Joseph Minor Seminary (Batangas) Mother of Good Council Seminary (Pampanga) San Carlos Seminary (Makati City)

STILL UNDEFEATED. Grade 9 seminarians proved their sports supremacy in this year’s Sangkan IX. Photo by Ms. Rechelle Moron

Games of the Generals Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary (Sariaya, Quezon) Mary Help of Christians Seminary (Pangasinan) St. John Paul II Minor Seminary (Antipolo) Darts Sacred Heart Seminary (Leyte) Mary Assumpta Seminary (Cabanatuan) Holy Rosary Seminary (Naga City) Pool Mary Assumpta Seminary (Cabanatuan) St. Gregory the Great Minor Seminary (Albay) Mother of Good Council Seminary (Pampanga)

OUTDOOR GAMES

Gambala achieves Game of the Generals three-peat Sem. Christian Laurenaria

S

em. Aristotelis Gabriel Gambala (Grade 11) proved his Game of the Generals supremacy as he was able to achieve the three-peat for the game last SANGKAN Senior High held on January 29, 2020.

It’s been the third consecutive year for Gambala to win SANGKAN’s Game of the Generals. He once aced the game during SANGKAN 9 in Cabanatuan and SANGKAN 10 in Antipolo respectively.

His third win to make the three-peat was not easy. Pressure of achieving it was intense especially that this year, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary hosted the 2nd SANGKAN Senior High.

Nevertheless, his success story was not all about just winning. His track started when he played during his SANGKAN 7 and went home with nothing. By the following year, he bagged 2nd runner-up during the SANGKAN 8 before he got his mastery.

Despite the nerve-racking feels, Gambala suggested that it’s still best to keep chill and carry on. He emphasized that his constant practice for the game and lots of prayer made him possible to prove his supremacy in Game of the Generals.

He only learned playing it during his OLMCS stay and he was likewise thankful for the opportunity and honor to play for the seminary.

Grade 8 gains back-to-back SANGKAN win L

Basketball Mary Help of Christians Seminary (Pangasinan) Oblates of St. Joseph Minor Seminary (Batangas) St. Benedict Diocesan Seminary (Camarines Sur) Volleyball Mary Help of Christians Seminary (Pangasinan) St. John Paul II Minor Seminary (Antipolo) Our Lady of Mount Carmel Seminary (Sariaya, Quezon)

Sem. Aristotelis Gabriel Gambala

ast January 19, Grade 8 Batang Carmelos brought back the SANGKAN championship as they win this year’s SANGKAN 7 & 8. This year’s SANGKAN 7 & 8 was held at St. John Paul II, Minor Seminary, Diocese of Antipolo.

WINNING HUDDLE. Coach Joe Dominguez gathers the Batang Carmelo Basketball team as they plan their way through their win in the recent SANGKAN 7 & 8.

Photo by Mrs. Miriam V. Malicdem

The Batang Carmelos showed their prowess in the indoor games. Winning champions are Sem. Jun Loayon for Dama, Sem. Miguel Hilario for Scrabble and Sem. Marwin Capistrano for Pool.

Sem. Jose Louis Libiano landed third place for Games of the Generals. Sem. Ranier Marino got the third place in Darts.

Sem.Alfredo Sardea also got the bronze in Chess. Sem. Alfredo Sardea participated in Chess. Sem. Chester Magnaye snagged

Sem. Michael Mergenio

the fourth place in Table Tennis.

They also reigned supreme in the outdoor sports with the guidance of Coach Joe Dominguez and leadership of captain ball, Sem. Graydon Calucin. As Coach Joe reiterates every start of the game: “I-set n’yo ang goal n’yo”. The shouts and cheers of the parents and teachers made the players inspired and energized as they play the game ending the winning game with the final score of 44-26 with their opponent St. John Paul II, Minor Seminary (JPIIMS).

For the second year in a row, the Grade 8 seminarians brought home the bacon winning Champion both in the Basketball and Over-all standing as well.